Spring Has Arrived in the Desert

Spring has arrived in the desert, in fact, in some places it is already past its prime. One of these is Fish Creek Canyon which we visited last Thursday.

On our way there we stopped at Stag CoveOn our way there we stopped at Stag Cove

On our way there we stopped at Stag Cove

and knew we were moving in the right direction (Abronia villosa).and knew we were moving in the right direction (Abronia villosa).

and knew we were moving in the right direction (Abronia villosa).

Fish Creek Wash then welcomed us with several Woody AstersFish Creek Wash then welcomed us with several Woody Asters

Fish Creek Wash then welcomed us with several Woody Asters

(Xylorhiza orcuttii), before the display of spring flowers began in earnest.(Xylorhiza orcuttii), before the display of spring flowers began in earnest.

(Xylorhiza orcuttii), before the display of spring flowers began in earnest.

Here is an arbitrary selection: Eschscholzia parishii,Here is an arbitrary selection: Eschscholzia parishii,

Here is an arbitrary selection: Eschscholzia parishii,

Phacelia crenulate var. ambigua,Phacelia crenulate var. ambigua,

Phacelia crenulate var. ambigua,

Chylisma claviformis ssp. peirsoniiChylisma claviformis ssp. peirsonii

Chylisma claviformis ssp. peirsonii

(already on its way out),(already on its way out),

(already on its way out),

masses of Cryptantha sp.,masses of Cryptantha sp.,

masses of Cryptantha sp.,

Lupinus arizonicus,Lupinus arizonicus,

Lupinus arizonicus,

Encelia farinosa,Encelia farinosa,

Encelia farinosa,

Geraea canescens,Geraea canescens,

Geraea canescens,

Encelia frutescensEncelia frutescens

Encelia frutescens

and Perityle emoryi.and Perityle emoryi.

and Perityle emoryi.

Most surprising, however, was the abundant Astragalus crotalariae,Most surprising, however, was the abundant Astragalus crotalariae,

Most surprising, however, was the abundant Astragalus crotalariae,

usually not a common plant.usually not a common plant.

usually not a common plant.

And of course, no spring trip to the desert without at least a few Desert LiliesAnd of course, no spring trip to the desert without at least a few Desert Lilies

And of course, no spring trip to the desert without at least a few Desert Lilies

(Hesperocallis undulata).(Hesperocallis undulata).

(Hesperocallis undulata).

This was it for us this season, since next month we plan to be away again.This was it for us this season, since next month we plan to be away again.

This was it for us this season, since next month we plan to be away again.

On our way there we stopped at Stag Cove

and knew we were moving in the right direction (Abronia villosa).

Fish Creek Wash then welcomed us with several Woody Asters

(Xylorhiza orcuttii), before the display of spring flowers began in earnest.

Here is an arbitrary selection: Eschscholzia parishii,

Phacelia crenulate var. ambigua,

Chylisma claviformis ssp. peirsonii

(already on its way out),

masses of Cryptantha sp.,

Lupinus arizonicus,

Encelia farinosa,

Geraea canescens,

Encelia frutescens

and Perityle emoryi.

Most surprising, however, was the abundant Astragalus crotalariae,

usually not a common plant.

And of course, no spring trip to the desert without at least a few Desert Lilies

(Hesperocallis undulata).

This was it for us this season, since next month we plan to be away again.

Before that there should be enough time for another field trip or two, though.

 Jürgen Schrenk

All photos by the author

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