Over a month into spring and we are seeing some gorgeous blooms in the Morongo Basin. But with Joshua Tree National Park closed due to concerns around COVID-19, local bloom seekers will need to start looking where they live. Reporter Heather Clisby has the story …
As we are all stuck at home during the COVID-19 shutdown, fans of desert blooms may not need to venture further than their own yards to enjoy the spring show. Though Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) remains closed, locals should start appreciating the bursts of color in their own yards, suggested JTNP’s Vegetation Manager Neil Frakes.
Madena Asbell, director of Plant Conservation Programs at Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT), noted the many wildflowers along Highway 62. “The roadsides are carpeted with desert dandelions right now,” stated Asbell.
Asbell did note that in downtown Joshua Tree, the island in front of stores between Sunset Road and Hillview Road on the south side of Highway 62, is “spectacular and deserves to be appreciated.” Asbell said wildflowers are widespread and also encouraged residents to explore blooms in their own neighborhoods.
Asbell reported that desert plants currently blooming between 2900-3400-foot elevation include: Desert dandelion, Yellow tackstem, Scalebud, Chia, Poppies, Apricot mallow, California primrose, Desert pincushion, Common phacelia, Checkered fiddleneck, Rock pea, Encelia actoni, Mojave aster, Beavertail cactus and Paper bag bush.
