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Desert Blooms Signal the Start of Spring
May 18, 2021If you’re lucky enough to travel through Tucson this spring or summer, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the Sonoran Desert in full bloom. Although the region’s cactus may seem a bit prickly and uninviting the majority of the year, these spiny specimens put on quite the seasonal show. While the greatest diversity of desert flora is on display from early April until mid-May, other species will be flaunting their pretty petals well into June.
The Fuzzy Hedgehog cactus is the first to burst onto the scene with a vibrant display of fuchsia flowers, shortly followed by the Prickly Pear cactus, known for its plum-colored fruits used in everything from soaps and salsas to margaritas and beer.
Next up are the towering Saguaro cactus, standing at 40 feet tall. During the months of May and June, these iconic beauties are adorned with spectacular floral crowns, each bloom lasting for only one day, while their collection of curvy arms remain bursting with blossoms that linger on for a couple of weeks.
Other desert beauties include blooming agave and yucca plants and fields of wildflowers with everything from golden poppies and marigolds to purple lupines, hot pink Penstemon, and many more varietals.
While some of the desert’s flowers are purely ornamental, others provide a source of food, water, and nectar for animals such as birds, bats, mice, small reptiles, butterflies, and bees. See how many colorful cacti you can spot during your next stay at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.