March Blooms at the Arboretum
Desert Wildflowers
March is a great month to view native Sonoran Desert wildflowers. Depending on winter rainfall and temperature, bloom peaks occur between mid-March and late April. Look for California poppies, lupines, blue dicks, Phacelia campanularia and P. distans, Penstemon, purple bladderpod, and owl clover throughout BTA, particularly in the more natural areas like the High Trail and the Sonoran Desert Upland Area above the lake. Native shrubs like fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), and brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) also bloom during this time.
Lady Banks’ rose (Rosa banksiae)
The popular Lady Banks’ rose (Rosa banksiae), a vigorous climber known for its long-livedness, becomes covered with creamy yellow blooms this month. One large, spectacular plant can be viewed arching over the trail in the Demonstration Garden and another in the Herb Garden by the Clevenger House.
Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii)
The aptly named silver torch cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) often flowers in March and off and on throughout the spring and summer months. This species does not flower until it is ten to fifteen years old, so this is a real treat to observe. Look for this tall, hairy elder near the lake in the South American area.
Australian Acacias
BTA is home to around one hundred species of Australian Acacias, and many of these begin blooming as early as March and continue for the rest of the year. Flowers of most species are typically fragrant yellow balls. Look for these shrubs and small trees in the Australian Deserts Exhibit and the Wallace Desert Garden.
Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum)
The Texas mountain laurels (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum) are not to be missed when they produce their hanging sprigs of highly fragrant purple blooms with a scent reminiscent of grape soda. These petite trees are scattered throughout BTA. For easy observation (and sniffing), there is one at the Visitors’ Center near the map.
