This beautiful specimen of Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) was growing out of a cliff in the wash.
Ahh…what a difference lighting makes! The top photo was captured in shade. This close-up shot of Globemallow was backlit by the setting sun.
Tag Archives: wildflowers
New Mexico Thistle
Some common names for this thistle is New Mexico Thistle and Desert Thistle. I used a little photoshop to try to make it stand out from the background but green twiggy stuff against green twiggy stuff is difficult to capture.
I wanted a macro shot of the head but I was lucky to get anything because of high winds.
Delphinium parishii
I went to shoot Ocotillo blooms late yesterday and found this on the trail instead! I’m pretty confident that it’s a Paleface Delphinium (Delphinium parishii). It’s also called a Desert Larkspur. The flower is really interesting and reminded me a little of a Columbine because of a backward facing spur. I don’t know if this Delphinium is rare but it sure was exciting to see! (Cholla Mountain area)
Teddy Bear Cholla Bloom
Teddy Bear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii) blooms are fairly small and very light in color so most people don’t even notice them. Probably a good thing since getting too close to one of these Cholla almost guarantees that you’ll leave with segment stuck on you somewhere 🙂
Fading Phacelia
We’re still seeing a few Phacelia (very few) but wildflowers will probably be totally gone this week. I’m already going through Wildflower withdrawal 🙁
Rambling Milkweed
Rambling Milkweed (Sarcostemma hirtellum) has beautiful half inch flowers. I spotted it ,yesterday, growing on the Wolfberry (Lycium berlandieri) seen below.
Parry’s Penstemon
Our native Parry’s Penstemon is a nice break from the mostly yellow and white flowers we get in the desert. I planted these a two years ago and we now see sprouts coming up everywhere. More food for the Javelina 🙂
Brittlebush and Lupine
This scene of Brittlebush with Lupine looked like a painting to me so I used Photoshop to accentuate that.
Steve’s Dustymaidens
Steve’s Dustymaidens (Chaenactis steviodes) is another wildflower that you need to look at very closely to see just how beautiful it is. They started showing up this past weekend. Below is what you first observe so if you’re curious, move in!
Flat top Buckwheat
Flat-top Buckwheat is the common name for Eriogonum fasciculatum. It’s starting to bloom everywhere now and I thought I would show just how intricate the blooms are. You need really good eyes or a macro lens to see their glory.
