Mountain Hardware
Mojave River Valley Museum
Joshua Tree Wildflowers
When and Where
With deserts as varied as both the Mojave and Colorado, and elevations within both of
these differing as in Joshua Tree, the variety of blossoms may change greatly from year to
year. Fall and winter
precipitation
and spring temperatures are key environmental factors affecting the spring blooming
period. Normally desert annuals germinate between September and December. Many need a
good soaking rain to get started.
In addition to rains at the right time, plants also require warm-enough temperatures before
flower stalks will be produced. Green-leaf rosettes may cover the ground in January; however, flower
stalks wait until temperatures rise.
Wildflowers may begin blooming in the lower elevations of the Pinto Basin and along the park’s
south boundary in February and at higher elevations in March and April. Desert regions above
5,000 feet may have plants blooming as late as June.
About Mojave Desert Wildflowers
Mmmmm... Sunset & Candy -- Indian Cove
