Almost here: The Spring wildflower bloom

If you are still in the desert you must be anticipating the Spring wildflower bloom, which is expected this year to be above average due to the amount of soaking winter rains received. Some wildflowers are already in bloom at the warmest locations, like Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and along some roadsides where the winter rain runoff has provided nourishment to dormant wildflower seeds.

San Diego County's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park's wildflower hotline (760-767-4684) is set up and others will be operating soon. In Joshua Tree National Park,

DesertUSA.com reports that "Wildflowers may begin blooming in the lower elevations of the Pinto Basin and along the park’s south boundary in early March and at higher elevations in late March and April. Desert regions above 5,000 feet may have plants blooming as late as June."

Spring Blooming Periods

Lower Elevations: 1,000 – 3,000 feet
Yuccas—March and April
Annuals—February, March, and April
Cacti—March, April, and May

Higher Elevations: 3,000 – 5,000 feet

Joshua Trees and Yuccas—March and April
Annuals—March, April, and May
Cacti—April, May, and June

You can keep track of the wildflower bloom at all desert locations at Desert USA Wildflower Hotlines & Information: http://www.desertusa.com/Thingstodo/du_ttd_bloom.html


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