Rainbow of Colors Cover Desert As Flowers Bloom From March to May

Take out in any direction from Wickenburg in late March through May and you will see the desert and roadsides awash in the warm color of Desert Marigolds, Brittle Bush, Lupine, Mexican Gold Poppy, and Globe Mallow.

Like a temperamental artist that won’t perform except under ideal conditions, wildflowers make capricious appearances from year to year. If anything fails in their mix of demands, it affects their presentation. A dry autumn can put a crimp in their spring performance. Not enough winter rain and they might not show at all.

Blossom-covered Palo Verde trees streak the landscape yellow. Golden yellow blossoms beam from prickly pear cactus. Saguaros display creamy white blossoms on the tips of each arm. The long-stemmed Ocotillo stems turn dark green and the tips a crimson red. Assortments of smaller hedgehog cacti color the desert floor with pink, red, and yellow flowers.

Follow roads in any direction and you’ll find a beautiful palate of colors. Take Vulture Mine Road, Constellation Road, Rincon Road, Castle Hot Springs Road, or Highway 74. Just north of Wickenburg on Highway 93 is a unique Joshua Tree Forest, each tree when in bloom sporting huge cream flower stalks.

For more information call the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at (928) 684-0977.