Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA has a number of new updates

California

Death Valley where China Ranch Wash drains into the Amargosa River. Most plants have not yet flowered but will probably do so within the next week or two. See photos of Phacelia calthifolia, P. crennulata, Geraea canescens and Perityle emoryi.: http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca_dv.html#ixzz4aF1qANvP

Carrizo Plain National Monument reports: The anticipated peak bloom times are mid-late March but with the high amount of rain we’ve received this season, it’ll be very green and blooms may continue into April.

Arizona

Poppies, lupine, desert hyacinth, and heliotropes are blooming at Apache Wash Trailhead (Phoenix Sonoran Preserve). The hills have swatches of poppies and they also can be found along the trails, especially Apache Wash Loop and Ridgeback. Photos taken on 3/1 on Apache Wash Trail (poppies) and Ocotillo Trail (purple flowers) at http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/az.html#ixzz4aF2XPsT6

Picacho Peak State Park, just a few yards off loop road. see photo taken 03/01/2017 of poppies at  http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/tucson.html#ixzz4aF2t01Cw