A Desert Spring in Arizona
Even the Desert Blooms in Spring
There is a saying in Arizona that "Something is always blooming."
I learned that myself after my first visit here. When I visited in the 1980's, friends drove me along Highway 79 to show me the Tom Mix memorial, marking the spot where he died in an auto accident.
Along Highway 79 were multitudes of desert plants and upon a couple of stops, I noticed that many were blooming. I soon realized on that December day, that things bloom in the Sonoran Desert continually.
On a recent trip to Tucson in early February, I was fortunate enough to be able to take some very nice photos of the desert foliage; most of which you will see in this website.
Thank you for visiting and taking the journey with me.
The Sonoran Desert - Where it is always Spring
The Sonoran Desert is not a small place . It covers over 120,000 square miles in several states and part of Mexico.
While there are many animal species, it also has over 2,000 species of plant. These plants grow most of the year and although there is a Spring season in most of North America, it is always Spring in the Sonoran Desert.
The "Flora of Sonora" includes many types and forms of cacti, succulents, desert plants and wildflowers. In addition, many of the cacti and other plants sprout flowers at various times of the year.
During my recent visit, the barrel cacti were in bloom and I have included some photos of them below.
Walking in and around the desert is not without its hazards. Other than getting poked by a cactus thorn or getting skin irritation from other plants, you still could run into a rattlesnake, gila monster or even a black widow. Both of which can cause serious problems if you get bit.
The biggest hazard, despite it's beauty, is the pollen in the air. If you have serious asthma or breathing issues, the Sonoran Desert is not for you. There is some information below if you are planning a visit to the Sonoran Desert.
All about the Sonoran Desert - Is it really a desert? Explorers want to know!
- All about the Sonorran Desert
Before you visit, you should learn all about the Sonoran Desert. - The Center for Sonoran Desert Studies
The Arizona Sonora Desert Musem - Sonoran Desert Inventory and Monitoring
From the National Park Service, learn how the delicate ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert are being monitored. - Sonoran Desert Edible Plants
Yes, you can eat without ever planting or watering! - Edible, Medicinal Plants from the Sonoran Desert
Learn all about these plants. Sponsored by the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Have you ever been to Arizona or the Sonoran Desert?
Have you ever seen the Sonoran Desert in person?
Did you know that Many Parts of a Desert are Edible?
The Blooming Barrel Cactus
Blooming Barrel Cactus Collage
Link to the Tonto National Forest in Arizona
- Tonto National Forest
Anything and Everything you wanted to know about the Tonto National Forest, home to thousands of Saguaro Cacti.
Top Ten Little Known Facts of the Saguaro Cactus
- Not all Saquaro Cacti grow arms.
- Some Saguaros grow more than 25 arms.
- Saguaro Cacti arms were weighted down to be used as trail markers. Along major highways in Arizona, you can still see arms that were marked almost 200 years ago.
- Saguaro Cacti grow only in the Sonoran Desert.
- The Saguaro Cactus can live 150-200 years. Most of the larger Saguaro Cacti are older than any man.
- It takes 10 years for a Saguaro Cactus to grow 1.5 inches in height.
- Most of the roots of the Saguaro Cactus go no further in the ground than 4-6 inches while the main root only extends beyond 2 feet.
- A Saguaro Cactus has a woody rib that is hard as a tree. This wood is used for many things and was used as a canteen by Native Americans.
- A fully hydrated Saguaro Cactus can weigh amost 5,000 pounds.
- The pleats in a Saguaro Cactus enable it to soak up as much water as possible during a heavy rain.
Saguaro Cactus
Cacti Collage
Bobcat on Top of a Saguaro Cactus - This is not that far from my home!
Some feel that Transplantation of the Saguaro Cactus is Detrimental - How do you feel?
The Saguaro Cactus, sometimes hundreds of years old, is being moved for purposes of landscaping. How do you feel that this impacts the extinction of the Saguaro?
Succulents and Desert Plants
Succulents and Desert Plants Collage
The Sonoran Desert Day and Night Coloring Book - Even if you are not a child, I know that you like to color!
Wonderful Videos of the Sonoran Desert
Desert Survival Skills - If you get lost, find out what to do!
Desert Flowers
Desert Flowers Collage
Spring Flowers in the Arizona Sonora Desert
How to Paint the Sonoran Desert
Pastel Paint Set with Perfect Colors for Painting the Sonoran Desert
Yes, even Wyatt Earp Sneezed! - Allergenic Pollens and Allergy Information for the Sonoran Desert - Please read before you make the trip!
When I moved to the Southwest, many were moving here because they had asthma or allergies. Little did I know that I would develop allergies and asthma after moving here.
There are many types of different plants here and something is always blooming in the Southwest, no matter what time of year it is.
If you are asthmatic, please bring your inhaler and also, please check out this article before you travel.
- Allergy and Asthma in the Southwestern United States
From the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson, Arizona.
