Joshua Tree National Park just posted a new wildflower report that includes a map and photos at Wildflower Report for March 17, 2016 (0.7 MB PDF) – also available in mobile version (1.4 MB PDF) This report offers weekly highlights on wildflower conditions for seven general regions within Joshua Tree National Park. For each region, we list the most charismatic blooms with pictures to aid in identification. Blooms listed for one region may be present in other regions as well—particularly the annual flowers.
This week in the park
Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) and sacred datura (Datura wrightii) are blooming or about to bloom throughout the park. Datura can be found in disturbed or sandy areas, such as the sides of roads. Beavertail cactus is primarily blooming at lower elevations, but will begin to bloom throughout the park in the coming weeks.
Natural History Wanderings 
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