Natural History Wanderings

In this easily accessible area you’ll find that annuals have started to bloom: Phacelia, Desert Dandelion, a few Desert Chicory, lots of the tiny red Pygmy Stonecrop, along with Filaree, Popcorn Flower, Poppies and Fiddlenecks. Shrubs–Chuparosa and Brittlebush–have also started. Look for the white-flowered Wishbone Bush in the island between the first and second parking lots.

Borrego Palm Canyon

This poplular canyon has plants that bloom on both the main and alternate trails.  You may see lots of Phacelia, Chuparosa, Brittlebush and Desert Lavender.  Also look for Desert Chicory, blooming Ocotillo, Desert Wishbone, Desert Dandelion, Canterbury Bells, and Brown-eyed Evening Primrose.  On the alternate trail, you may see Monkey Flowers, Parish’s Golden Poppy, Little Gold Poppy, and Rock Hibiscus.

Henderson Canyon Road

The “Sunflower Fields” have not yet come into full bloom, but a few specimens can be found near the east end of the road. Also near there (west of Pegleg Monument area) you can look for blooming Desert Lilies and Sand Verbena.  Note: Use caution when pulling onto the shoulder as the sand can be very soft.

Coyote Canyon

Where the pavement ends at the north end of DiGiorgio Road, you will find Spectacle Pod, Brown-eyed Evening Primrose, Dune Evening Primrose and Sand Verbena.  Walk out onto the flats for occasional Desert Lilies and Desert Sunflowers.  Note: Following heavy rains 2/28/17, 4WD is recommended, and caution is advised due to flowing water and deep mud!

Also check out the site  Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers: Species in bloom  for daily postings of flowers in bloom at various locations throughout Anza-Borrego. Thanks to John Wall author of the blog True Nature Stories for letting me know about this one.