Wildflower Update 2013

Lesser Mohavea is starting to bloom in upper Furnace Creek Wash.

February 14, 2013

Wildflowers are sprouting here and there in Death Valley, but we anticipate only a light, spotty bloom this spring. Rain this winter has been sporadic, with a few storms in the mountains, but little in the lower elevations. A widespread rainstorm soaked the park in October, but the heat wave that followed seems to have prevented the survival of wildflower sprouts on the valley floor. The mid elevations fared better, and that is where we are currently seeing sprouts appearing.

So far, the most promising locations are Furnace Creek Wash and the drainages joining it. Explore the area near the park entrance sign on Highway 190 east to see the first flowers of sun cups, lesser mohavea and Bigelow's mimulus.

The Grapevine Mountains were hit by several localized storms this winter, so try walking up the lower end of Titus Canyon to see what may be in bloom. Both annual wildflowers and flowering shrubs are now showing buds and fresh growth.