Another one in the Sunflower Family

Photos by Matt Ball

This reliable bloomer is another DYC that looks similar to the flowers of Brittlebush and Desert Marigold, at least at first glance. It's called Bahia (Bahia absinthifolia). Look at the leaves in the photos on the linked site; they'll help you identify it.

Fairy Duster

All photos by Matt Ball

Keep an eye out for these beauties! Fairy Dusters (Calliandra eriophylla) are in the Pea Family (Fabaceae), and are some of the first to bloom in the spring; can vary in color from white to nearly red.

Preview of coming attractions?

Photos by Ellen Green, 3/30/2010

Both at Catalina State Park, 3/30/2010

Here's hoping for great spring wildflowers in 2012! Until then, we have Desert Mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum) to look at! Phainopeplas love the berries. 

Name That Plant!

Photo by Ned Harris  1/5/12

Those dark areas in yesterday's photo are alive. Cryptobiotic (aka cryptogamic) soil is composed of life from three kingdoms, in fact. 1) Cyano- and other bacteria; 2) Fungi and Lichens; 3) Mosses and algae. This soil is not only fragile, it also takes a very long time to 'grow'; it's composed of tiny life forms, after all. Bottom line: stay on the trail. 

With the photo above, we'll come back to the first post of 2012. Answer in tomorrow's post. 

Name That Dirt!

Photo by Peggy Wenrick

If you said: "Magnetite" for yesterday's mineral, you are obviously very attractive. Maybe you'll also know what the dark areas in the photo above are called. Bonus points if you know why they shouldn't be walked on. Answer in tomorrow's post.

Name That Mineral!

Photo and Hand, Mary Ball 1/2/2012

If you said: Phainopepla, female for yesterday's bird, you win a handful of this mineral! What is it? (Answer in tomorrow's post.)

Name That Bird!

Photo by Ned Harris

Let's start the year off right - with a quiz! Name and gender of this bird in tomorrow's post.