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. […]
Desert Wildflowers: California Suncup
California Suncup, also known as Southern Suncap Camissoniopsis bistorta Family: Onagraceae, Evening Primrose Fun Facts The California suncup is an important food source for bees and other pollinators, who are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by its flowers. The plant is also used in traditional Native American medicine to treat a variety of ailments, […]