Every Bloomin' Thing

The Sonoran Desert's spectacular wildflower show continues this month and into mid-June as February and March annuals give way to flowering perennials.

Still showing at select locations are beautiful Mexican gold poppies, indigo lupine, purple owl's clover, and orange globemallow. But the main attraction over the next two months promises to be the hallmarks of the desert—trees and cacti. In April, blue and yellow paloverde trees explode in a shower of gold as sweet acacia trees burst with delicate yellow pompoms. Clusters of red flowers perch on the tips of Ocotillo like bright butterflies. Desert ironwood trees become a profusion of lavender in late May.

Not to be outdone, plants in the cactus family dress up in their finest. Prickly pear sport 3—4 inch yellow flowers while barrel cactus run the color gamut from orange to red. In June, saguaro wear majestic crowns of Arizona's state flower—fragrant waxy white blossoms.

The best way to enjoy the wildflower season is by taking a hike. Be sure to pack water and extra batteries for your camera. If you're in an unfamiliar area, take a map or GPS unit. People from all over the country flock to Arizona just to see desert wildflowers, so plan a weekday outing to avoid the crowds.

If a scenic drive is more appealing, a cruise through the desert rewards viewers with carpets of color and stunning displays of blooms. As temperatures rise, so will the elevations for wildflowers. Head for high country later in the season.

For up-to-date wildflower sightings, visit these websites: dbg.org; DesertUSA.com; and desertmuseum.org. The Ranger cam on the www.azstateparks.com website shows what's blooming in our state parks. You can also call Arizona State Parks Wildflower Hotline at 602-542-4988 or the Desert Botanical Garden's plant hotline at 480-941-1225. New flowers are popping up daily!