Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA had many wildflower updates today.

We got some rain in the deserts, and the outlook remains very good for the 2017 wildflower season. Results should start showing in a few weeks.

ARIZONA

Mexican Poppies below Eagle Rock on the Superstition Foothills trail system. See photos at http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/az.html#ixzz4Z5NTLK00

Estes Canyon–Bull Pasture loop trail in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument when we spotted the poppy and the purple flower in bloom. Rain is forecast for this weekend. Brittle bush is just starting to flower. See photos at http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/tucson.html#ixzz4Z5NmKqCb

Catalina State Park reports: We the first Mexican gold poppies of the spring wildflower season!

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum reports: Our cactus garden is full of these bloomin’ beauties! The Chihuahuan Snowball cactus (Thelocactus macdowellii) produces a beautiful and vibrant pink flower. Make sure to come visit this weekend to catch a glimpse of these prickly and precious plants!

 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument reports: We are spotting Mexican Gold Poppies, Fairy Dusters, and Brittlebush blossoms, to name a few!

Saguaro National Park reports: Fairy dusters have started to bloom! There are two types of Fairy Dusters but, the native species’s bloom go from white to red. This woody short shrub can be found at both districts of the park. Since the West district is at a lower elevation, most flowers like the Fairy Duster will bloom earlier there and at a later time over at the East district.

CALIFORNIA

Joshua Tree NP reports: Rain is in the forecast for this weekend which means some dirt roads in the park may be temporarily closed soon. Park maintenance crews close park roads when conditions are unsafe for vehicles to pass and to protect the road surface. Bypassing closures may cause damage to road, costing thousands of dollars and lots of time to repair.

Shooting star at vernal pools trail at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve 02/15/2017. See photo at
http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html#ixzz4Z5OahDxt