Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA reports on Anza Borrego

Water on the road at the entrance to Coyote Canyon, 4WD recommended, it should dry up this week. The Sand Verbena are starting to bloom, there are not many at this time. Plum canyon is very green a few flower are showing. The next seven day should be sunny and warm giving the wildflower the energy they need to grow. Still early in the season.

Ocotillo Wells SVRA reports: Cool-but-sunny weather continues to coax early bloomers here at OW. Field staff spotted a blooming Orcutt’s aster (Xylorhiza orcuttii) in Tule Wash this week. Also known as woody aster, this lavender-petalled beauty is native to clay, alkaline soils of Southern California and Northern Baja. Check out the shiny, spiny leaves.

See photos at Anza Borrego Desert State Park – Wildflower Reports – DesertUSA