The annual appearance of the ephemeral spring wildflowers native to the Coachella Valley has everything to do with the amounts of rainfall in the winter months, which can vary widely within a relatively small area, and with warming temperatures that encourage blooming. In some areas it’s reported that the wildflowers seem to be peaking early this year. In others such as Joshua Tree National Park, there doesn’t seem to be much to see yet.
For the best Wildflower Reports, I’d suggest the web site of our local treasure, the Living Desert . For the bloom report go to the home page, then click on Wildflower Walks and Wildflower Reports. Also the Living Desert is scheduling two bus trips for viewing wildflowers, during the first and second week of March. Call (760)346-5694 ext 2255 for details. Sounds like fun! There is always much to see at the Living Desert, as well.
Here’s another great website – DesertUSA with all kinds of information. While you are there, check out the Sonoran Desert to which our own Coachella Valley belongs. Within this same site is also a super WildFlower Field Guide which is designed in scale to be accessible for iPod, iPhone and similar devices. You can use this guide while you’re actually in the field to look up the flowers by color. Try it!