Stuff's a-Bloomin'

Claret Cup Cactus

After this past February's bitter cold snap--the most frigid temperatures I can remember in the Chihuahuan Desert--it's wonderful to see plants beginning their yearly spring ritual:  blossoming for reproduction.  The Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus is one of the earliest and most beautiful of bloomers.  And soon the flowers of the Ocotillo will be blazing on the tips of the Buggy Whips.

Stamens sprouting

Tres hermanas

A Claret Cup flower

Buds forming on an Ocotillo (aka "Buggy Whip")