My favorite time to be in Phoenix is the spring. When the cacti begin to flower, the Palo Verde trees blossom, and the  Sonoran desert comes alive with colour. The past winter was particularly wet in Arizona, making for a better than average springtime flower viewing opportunity.

Southwestern Inspiration

This region of the southwestern United States is a beautiful place to photograph and has long inspired the likes of great photographers like Ansel Adams and amateurs such as myself.

"I hope that my work will encourage self expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us.”—Ansel Adams

The photographs in this essay were collected while hiking in areas just north of the city of Phoenix, in Maricopa County. Some of my favourite, kid friendly hikes include Sears Kay Ruins, Spur Cross and Jewel of the Creek. Also if you are looking for spectacular scenery and springtime flowers, I recommend that you make the time to drive the Apache Trail.

Saguaro Flower and Palo Verde Tree - Symbols of the State of Arizona

Native to the Sonoran desert, the distinctive Saguaro cactus and the green Palo Verde tree are synonymous with the state of Arizona.

The saguaro cactus bloom is the Arizona state flower.

The Palo Verde, State tree of Arizona, blooms yellow in spring. 

Yellow Springtime Flowers in the Sonoran Desert

Based on my observations, yellow is the predominant colour of springtime flowers in the Sonoran Desert.

Close up of fragrant yellow flowers of the Palo Verde tree

Flowers of the Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbendesis)

Yellow blooms of the Staghorn Cholla

Yellow and brown eyed varieties of the Brittle Bush

Pale yellow flowers of the Prickly Pear cactus

The showy flowers of the Yellow Bird of Paradise

Argentine Giant Cactus

Above is the dramatically oversized flower of the Argentine Giant Cactus.

The Giant Argentine Cactus puts on a spectacular show. The flowers of this cactus are large and vibrant, but not long lasting. If you see one in bloom, you had better take a picture, because there is no guarantee that it will still be there tomorrow.

This cactus flowers in many different colours including white and pink.

 

 Big thanks to Kelly Kangles for sharing her photo of the pink Argentine Giant Cactus!

Desert Wildflowers, Plants and Succulents

Even amongst the most rocky outcropping,  desert wildflowers find a way to take hold and thrive.

Redstem Stork's Bill, from the germanium family

Close up of the Mojave Lupine

Desert Chicory, a member of the Aster family

Though the wildflowers put on quite a show, the desert plants and cacti certainly don't take second stage.  I hope you enjoy their contribution to the colours of spring in the desert as much as I do.

Sierra Bouquet

 Pink and white varietals of the Red Yucca

Delicate pink Fairy Duster

Pink Prickly Pear flowers

        

 Ocotillo in bloom (left)      White flowers of the Mojave Yucca (right)

Desert Globe Mallow produces vibrant orange flowers

Orange-pink blossom of the Giant Prickly Pear cactus

Deep purple flowers on the diminutive hedgehog cactus

A butterfly on Parry's Beardtongue with a prickly pear cactus in the background.

Challenge your Expectations

Spring in the Sonoran desert will challenge all of your preconceptions of what a desert should be. On my first springtime visit I was truly overwhelmed by the diversity and beauty of the native plants. There is so much more to see than the iconic saguaro. Come to Phoenix in the spring and experience the stunning colours for yourself. And maybe even take a photo or two.

More Sonoran Desert Plant Information

If you'd like some more information on the plants and flowers in this post, please have a look at the Southeastern Arizona Wildflowers and the Plants of the Sonoran Desert website.