Field of Devils
Last year, one of the hard working Preserve maintenance volunteers spotted an area with a large population of Devil’s Claw and told us about it (thanks Joni!) so as part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Flora Survey, we documented it this summer. I didn’t get as many photos as I planned but I did get a shot of the pretty pink bloom and also of the very cool seed pods (captured yesterday). You aren’t likely to see this plant while hiking as they are typically in wide washes which are usually off limits to hikers. Seeing unique plants like this is a great reason to join the flora survey! The survey starts up again in a couple of weeks. If you’re interested, contact Melanie at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Phone number: 480-998-7971.
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Ooh, I’ve never seen Devil’s Claw in person, but know about it from doing gourds. Have always hoped to see it growing and to bring home a few of the pods. Such strong, graphic forms. Lucky you. Cool stuff. –Carol Leigh
Because they are in the Preserve…no collecting allowed BUT it was tough walking away!!! We picked some up when we first moved here and I’ve been enjoying them in a “pods” basket I created. I’d love to have more, though, so I’ll keep looking on non Preserve land.