www.maricopa.gov/parks (Posted 3/28/2008)
This week it’s all about the Brittlebush. I didn’t think it was possible for the hillsides to ‘pop’ any more than they did last week, but the shrub bloom is spectacular. Bring your wide-angle lens to the Park this week—the yellow seems to go on forever.
The Lupines, Owl’s Clover, tiny Woolly Daisy, Chicory and Scorpionweed are still out in full force, while the Poppies are taking their bows and starting to go to seed in anticipation of next year’s flower show. Just stepping onto the stage are Desert Paintbrush, Fairy Duster, Globe Mallow and the deep ocean blue of Desert Bluebells. We’re starting to see Hedgehog Cactus blooms and the red flaming tips of Ocotillo.
This weekend is predicted to be cooler than last week, so it’s perfect hiking weather. If you haven’t gotten out to the Park yet this season, put it on your calendar to not wait another week, as the flowers won’t wait around too much longer.
Check out our website or call 623-465-0431 for the latest wildflower walks and directions. We’ll see you at the Park! http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek/
www.maricopa.gov/parks (Posted Friday, 4/18/2008)
Generous fall and winter precipitation in the desert foothills has resulted in a great herbaceous wildflower response and the wildflower season is now in full swing at Spur Cross. We invite you to hike the trails in the conservation area. The initial flowering of herbaceous plants such as poppies and lupine have now been replaced by the mass flowering of perennials such as brittlebush, globe mallow, and flat-top buckwheat. The cacti are just beginning their show.
FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND THE GUIDED INTERPRETIVE HIKES VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/
Wildflowers currently in bloom:
The flowers that can be seen by walking along the trails include scorpionweed, wild heliotrope, chicory, owl clover, Coulter’s lupine, desert marigold, filaree, Mexican poppy, desert wooly star, pale-face delphinium, larkspur, New Mexico thistle, monkey flower, and bajada lupine. At higher elevations in the park such as on the Elephant Mountain Trail mariposa lilies, dudleya, menodora, desert phlox, bush penstemon, and banana yucca are now flowering.
Perennials in bloom include brittlebush, creosote, globe mallow, flat-top buckwheat, fairy duster, viguiera, trixis, and ocotillo.
Cacti beginning to flower at this time are the strawberry hedgehog and buckhorn cholla. The prickly pear buds should begin to open very soon.
For more information call Ranger Kevin Smith at 480-488-6623.
