Desert Lily from last night in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California.
I have two bits of good news regarding the desert wildflower bloom in Anza-Borrego. First, not only are there lots of wildflower plants popping up all around – some areas are really green, but there are actually a few wildflowers already blooming as you can see from this desert lily photographed yesterday. I have also seen patches of sand verbena as well.
But, there are very promising looking areas, I think in a few weeks it could be a good year – maybe not a great year, but certainly much better then the last three. Maybe it is because the plant is easy to recognize, but I’m seeing lots of desert lilies in particular – one of my favorite desert wildflowers.
On top of that, it rained most of the night late last week, so that will only help, that is as long as things don’t get too hot. The forecast is for highs in the uppers 70’s, low 80’s for the next week, as long as we avoid the 90’s I think we are ok.
What is the other good news? The lack of Sahara Mustard! Articles in the local newspaper speculated last year that three years of drought should have killed off the seed bank of this highly invasive species, and so far, that seems to be true!
I have been spending at least a month here for a number of years each winter so I have a pretty good feel for the wildflowers, but if you don’t believe me, here are some other opinions:
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association wildflower outlook.
Even the Park Ranger who I obtain my workshop permit from thought it could be the best year in many years – baring a hot spell.
So fingers are crossed, I’ll keep posting updates here. I still think the best bloom won’t be for a few more weeks and will go well into March. The upcoming warm weather might speed things up a bit, in fact, the Swainson’s Hawks have already begun their migration through the area – the earliest this has ever been recorded.
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