Natural History Wanderings

Joshua Tree National Park reports

Wilson Canyon Perhaps the best area to currently view wildflowers is Wilson Canyon, south of White Tank Campground and north of the Cholla Cactus Garden. There are limited pullouts for parking along Pinto Basin Road. The slopes of the side canyons are turning yellow with yellowcups (Chylismia brevipes). Other common wildflower species in Wilson Canyon include browneyes (Chylismia claviformis), purple mat (Nama demissa), sand blazingstar (Mentzelia involucrata), desert chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana) and phacelia (Phacelia spp.)
Pinto Basin The massive valley in the center of the park, called Pinto Basin, is currently another good location for wildflower viewing. In between the creosote bushes you will find a carpet of cream colored flowers called browneyes (Chylismia claviformis). If you are looking closely, you might spot a desert lily (Hesperocallis undulata) or the magenta flowers of sand verbena (Abronia villosa). Desert gold (Geraea canescens) makes a yellow carpet in some areas, as do poppies. Phacelia adds some purple to the mix. The beavertail cacti (Opuntia basilaris) are also blooming. Desert star (Monoptilon belliodes) is common. Look for desert five spots (Eremalche rotundifolia). Try stopping for a walkabout from Turkey Flats or Porcupine Wash. You may see evening primrose (Oenothera spp) in sandy areas. If you are prepared with plenty of water, and have four-wheel drive, check out the Black Eagle Mine Road for some good wildflower blooms. The poppies are abundant a short distance down this sandy dirt road from the paved Pinto Basin Rd.
Cottonwood Springs There is a widespread bloom along the trail to Mastodon Peak. Poppies and Canterbury Bells (Phacelia campanularia) are common. Also look for budding Ocotillos, and flowering Chia (Salvia columbariae) and Mojave aster (Xylorhiza tortifolia).

Joshua Trees and Mojave Yucca Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) are flowering throughout the areas in which they grow within the park. Some of the hot spots include just inside the Joshua Tree Entrance Station, and near the intersection of Park Blvd and Pinto Basin Road. Mojave yuccas (Yucca schidigera) have also started to flower. Some of the best spots for viewing include just inside the Twentynine Palms Entrance, and Wilson Canyon.

See photos at March 20, 2017 – Joshua Tree National Park (U.S. National Park Service)