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 Wildflowers: Desert Bluebells
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 […]
Desert Wildflowers: Wild Canterbury Bells
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 […]
Desert Wildflowers: Frémont’s Pincushion
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 […]
Desert Wildflowers: Whitedaisy Tidytips
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 Wildflowers: Desert Chicory
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 […]
Desert Wildflowers: Chia
Chia, also known as Chia Sage, Golden Chia, or Desert Chia Salvia columbariae Family: Lamiaceae, Mint Fun Facts Chia is a valuable component of many ecosystems, providing food and habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The plant is known for its edible seeds, which were an important food source for many Native American tribes. […]