While some states are still waiting for their cold winters to end in the beginning of March, Arizona is mostly sunny and bright and with flowers in bloom! While Arizona is known for its desert landscape of cacti and greenery, some may not be aware of the beautiful wildflower season that the desert has in the spring, with colors peaking in March.
Though their prevalence is dependent on how much rain we see each season, one can almost always count on catching a glimpse of these small beauties each year!
Did You Know?
There are 20+ variations of wildflowers, including Poppies, Brittlebush and Marigolds.
Because the population of these flowers depend on rain, botanists will always recommend the “look, but don’t touch” approach. When the flowers are picked, they are no longer able to spread active seeds, which means less flowers for the next season.
Wildflowers are very easy to grow on your own in Arizona, because you can control the amount of water that they receive. For an optimal spring bloom, plant your seeds in October!
Where to find them:
Though wildflowers can be found in many places throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, there are some spots in particular that are known for great opportunities for spotting large groups of them. Here are a few:
South Mountain Park and Reserve
Several wildflower displays can be found from the Central Avenue entrance, as well as on the north facing entrances of the park.
Click here for more information and trail maps
Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw Park
Hikers on the Quartz Ridge Trail and visitors of the Dreamy Draw Recreation area often discover beautiful, wide varieties of wildflowers.
Click here for more information and trail maps
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Poppies are the most common type of wildflower found here, especially on the Bootlegger and Sunrise Trails.
Click here for more information and trail maps
