Introduction

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located in Southern California and is one of the largest state parks in the United States. The park is home to over 600,000 acres of pristine desert wilderness, including a variety of plant and animal species. Anza Borrego’s wildflowers are one of its main attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness the stunning display of colors that blanket the desert landscape.

When to Visit

The best time to see the wildflowers is typically from late February to early April. This is usually when the park experiences its peak bloom, but can vary depending on the amount of rainfall and other environmental factors. Visitors should check the park’s website or call the wildflower hotline at 760-767-4684 to get updated information on wildflower sightings and conditions.

Species of Wildflowers Found in Anza-Borrego

Anza-Borrego’s wildflowers are as diverse as they are stunning. Some of the most common species found in the park include:

Bigelow's Monkey Flower - Diplacus bigelovii

Diplacus bigelovii, also known as Bigelow's monkeyflower, is a species of wildflower that is native to California and can be found in the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert. It belongs to the Phrymaceae family and is known for its showy magenta or...

Desert Dandelion - Malacothrix californica

Desert dandelions, also known as Malacothrix glabrata or Malacothrix californica, are a species of flowering plant that are native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States, including the Anza Borrego Desert in southern California. These...

Desert Lily

The Desert Lily, also known as the Ajo Lily or Hesperocallis undulata, is a beautiful wildflower that is native to the southwestern region of North America and can be found in the Anza Borrego Desert. Despite its name, the Desert Lily can be found in...

Desert Sand Verbena

Desert Sand Verbena, also known as Abronia villosa, is a wildflower that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It's a hardy, drought-resistant plant that can survive in extreme temperatures and low water conditions. One...

Dune Evening Primrose

Dune Evening Primrose, scientifically known as Oenothera deltoides, is a small, delicate flowering plant that is native to the sandy and gravelly soils of the North American deserts. Despite its small size, this plant is remarkable in its adaptations...

Ghost Flower - Mohavea confertiflora

Mohavea confertiflora, also known as the ghost flower, is a rare and beautiful wildflower species that is native to the California, Nevada, and Arizona deserts. It is a annual plant that grows to a height of about one to two feet and produces stunning...

Parish's Poppy - Eschscholzia parishii

Eschscholzia parishii, commonly known as Parish's poppy, is a perennial species of flowering plant that is native to California, specifically in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The plant is named after Samuel B. Parish, a botanist and plant collector...

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