Enjoy Our Nature & Help Protect It
California lawmakers have passed a historic bill (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act) to permanently protect the western Joshua tree, making it the first law in the state aimed at safeguarding a species threatened by climate change. The legislation, part of the state budget agreement, is expected to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and take […]
Sand Blazing Star, also known as White-bract Blazing Star Mentzelia involucrata Family: Loasaceae (Stickleaf) Fun Facts The Sand Blazing Star gets its common name from its tall, spiky stems that are topped with bright yellow flowers. The seeds of Mentzelia involucrata are edible and were a traditional food source for Native American tribes. Habitat Sand […]
Desert Bluebells, also known as Desert Bells and California Bluebells Phacelia campanularia Family: Boraginaceae, one of the larger plant families in the US, with 60 genera and around 650 species, some major families are cryptantha, hackelia, mertensia, oreocarya, phacelia, and plagiobothrys. Fun Facts The flowers of Phacelia campanularia are a vibrant shade of blue, and […]
Wild Canterbury Bells, also known as Whitlavia Phacelia minor Family: Boraginaceae, one of the larger plant families in the US, with 60 genera and around 650 species, some major families are cryptantha, hackelia, mertensia, oreocarya, phacelia, and plagiobothrys. Fun Facts Phacelia minor is known to be highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its […]
Frémont’s Pincushion, also known as Desert Pincushion Chaenactis fremontii Family: Asteraceae, commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family Fun Facts Chaenactis fremontii is often the most abundant spring wildflower in the lower Mojave and northern Sonoran deserts, where it is a significant food source for desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii Cooper). It […]
Whitedaisy Tidytips, also known as White Layia Layia glandulosa Family: Asteraceae, commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family Fun Facts The plant’s common name, Tidytips, refers to the fringed tips of its petals, which give the flowers a neat appearance.The plant’s flowers are edible and can be added to salads or […]
Desert Chicory, also known as Plumeseed, or New Mexico Plumeseed Rafinesquia neomexicana Family: Asteraceae, commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family Fun Facts Desert chicory has a taproot that can grow up to 1 meter in length, allowing it to access deep soil moisture. Desert chicory is an important source of […]