Gordon’s bladderpod (Physaria gordonii) — Images by kenne
Gordon’s bladderpod is an early blooming desert wildflower belong to the mustard family. With the help of more than normal winter rains, you can find them many places in the Sonoran Desert. Their bright yellow blossoms provide a lot of color to the spring desert landscape.
— kenne
Each Friday, Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN) lead two hikes for the public. One is is a slower-paced nature hike allowing time to identify and discuss desert plants.
Yesterday’s hike was a four-mile hike in Kings Canyon in the Tucson Mountains, which this time of year has a lot of wildflowers. So, I chose to assist in guiding the hike so I could be a part of the wildflower discussion; providing an opportunity to photograph spring flowers.
The majority of hikers on our SCVN hikes are retirees; yesterday’s hike included a young mother and her 2-year-old daughter — they both love hiking.
— kenne
Images by kenne
A Saguaro Family In Kings Canyon (March 1, 2019) — Image by kenne
Rock Hibiscus — Computer Painting by kenne
— kenne
Kings Canyon Trail — Images by kenne
Wildflower Slideshow by kenne
Panorama of Wasson Peak Near The Top
SCVN guided hike to Wasson Peak via Kings Canyon trail, which is about a seven mile (roundtrip) hike and elevation gain of 1,900 ft.
Some of our hikers made only the Kings Canyon trail to the first saddle since we were experiencing unusually warm record-setting temperatures (the mid-90’s).
“Cactushenge” — Image by kenne
English: Stonehenge Stonehenge, Wiltshire. Stonehenge itself is owned and managed by English Heritage whilst the surrounding downland is owned by the National Trust. Français : Stonehenge Stonehenge, Royaume-Uni. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When I saw this group of cacti, the image that came to mind was that of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. In my mind, they represent what remains of a ring of ancient cacti — use your imagination! (The hikers in the image are part of the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (SCVN) Friday lead hike.)
— kenne
Tufted Evening Primrose — Image by kenne
I’m by no means a wildflower expert and the extreme conditions of the desert rocky slopes can make identification difficult. This beautiful wildflower was photographed midmorning in Kings Canyon at about 3,200′ elevation. My guess is that it is a tufted evening primrose, which blooms for only one night, pure white, turning to pink before closing by mid-day. If I have guessed wrong, please let me know.
kenne
