Desert Flora Now Appearing

Near Zion National Park, the Prickly Pear Cactus, Cholla Cactus, Claret Cup and the Cliffrose are among the desert plant species showing off their colors and textures. Ninety degree temperatures in March accelerated the growing and flowering of these desert classics.

A prickly Pear Cactus blooms during Spring near Zion National Park, Utah.

The many spines of a Cholla cactus just before bloom during spring near Zion National Park, Utah. Also referred to as the Teddy Bear Cholla but I learned early on not to hug this well-defensed cactus.

The Claret Cup Cactus AKA as the Hedgehog Cactus.

The Daisy-Like Uinta Groundsel.

A Cliffrose bush in full bloom during spring near Zion National Park, Utah. The fragrance is so sweet, I wish I could provide it in this post but even AI can’t do that.

New pine cones appear during spring on a Pinyon Pine tree near Zion National Park, Utah. The cones will produce a white pine nut and are usually harvested during autumn.

Pinyon Pine needles.

Utah Serviceberry blooms early in the season.

The Many Faces Of The Coneflower

The Coneflower can take on many shapes and looks. It’s the ultimate shape shifter!

 

The purple coneflower produces bright colors while blooming in the hot desert sun.

 

The purple coneflower produces bright colors while blooming in the hot desert sun.

 

A macro shot of the Purple Coneflower

 

The purple coneflower produces bright colors while blooming in the hot desert sun.

 

A macro shot of the Purple Coneflower also known as the Bright Star

 

The purple coneflower produces bright colors while blooming in the hot desert sun.

 

The purple coneflower produces bright colors while blooming in the hot desert sun.
With a twirl!

 

The purple coneflower produces bright colors while blooming in the hot desert sun.