Chihuahuan Desert Spring

Cactus Wren on a flowering Yucca

For many desert dwellers spring is their favorite season, a time when long-dormant plants begin to bloom.  The blossoming signals the start of the warm season, with daytime temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the 40 to 60 degree range.  Furnaces will generally be switched off during this period and residents will begin preparing their air conditioners or evaporative coolers for the coming hot months of summer.

Tiny flower buds on a Desert Broom begin to bloom

Three flower stalks on one Yucca

Torrey Yuccas in blossom

The flowers of a Spanish Dagger

Native Americans relished these delicious Yucca flowers

Creamy white Yucca blossoms

Bowing out

Flower buds on an Ocotillo (Oh-ko-TEE-yo)

Buds at the tip of an Ocotillo wand (aka "buggy whip")

A Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus beginning to bloom

Claret Cup Cactus flowers

All of these buds will soon open--a feeding station for hummingbirds

Yucca flower stalk in front of Tortugas Mountain

Taking a break in a sandy arroyo bottom

A mountain biker heading for the lower desert

Yuccas are pollinated by the Yucca Moth

More Claret Cup Cactus flowers