File:Desert Bearpoppy by Leah Daniel (8949549027).jpg

While many wildflowers have begun to fade, there is still time to enjoy the last spring season blooms at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Since Red Spring had so much to offer the prior week, we decided to return in hopes of seeing more wildflowers. As we traveled along State Route 159, we spotted the deep purple flowers of the Indigo Bush. These were in full bloom, while at Red Spring this same plant was just catching up.

Once we arrived at Red Spring, we noticed the Joshua Tree flowers had disappeared. Even though these giant white blooms of the Joshua Tree have passed, they have left an abundance of fruit behind. In the same area, the Creosote also displayed cotton-like fruit, as well as tiny yellow flowers. As we continued along the trail, we saw nearby in an outcrop of Shinarump conglomerate (highly resistant course-grained sandstone and pebble mix) with numerous Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus in bloom, as well as tiny purple-colored flowers of the Range Ratany. We also visited Red Spring once more to see the Pretty Shooting Stars fading, but in their absence St. George Blue-eyed Grass was thriving. Saving the best for last, we came upon a disturbed hillside to find the delicate white flowers of the Desert Bearpoppy. This wildflower is a definite rare treat with it being listed as a species of conservation concern. Worried that the harsh winds may have broken the delicate fuzzy stems, we were happy to see that the new blooms had withstood the haphazard weather. Other blooms in the area include Amsonia, Scarlet Guara, Paperflower and a purple Globemallow.

As the temperatures begin to rise, the chance to see these unique flowers will be coming to an end, so be sure to get out and enjoy them while you can!