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Arizona Poppy (Kallstroemia grandiflora)
Right now, the Arizona poppy in my favorite flower. It is painting the landscape in the Tuscon area in seas of orange. The Arizona poppy (Kallstroemia grandiflora), is a striking wildflower native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Also referred to as the Desert Calico or Mexican Poppy, this resilient plant is renowned…
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Jojoba
Meet the jojoba shrub (Simmondsia chinensis), a fascinating plant renowned for its versatile uses and resilience in arid climates. Native to the deserts of the American Southwest, this evergreen shrub has captured the attention of skincare enthusiasts, environmentalists, and sustainable industries alike. We in the Sonoran desert love it for its resilience in our landscape.…
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Hornworms and Sphinx Moths
Have you ever encountered a hornworm in your garden and marveled at its size and bright green appearance? These intriguing creatures belong to the family Sphingidae and are renowned for their voracious appetite and unique features. After the chrysalis stage, the hornworm emerges as the sphinx moth. In southeastern Arizona, 49 species of sphinx moths…
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Nature’s Graceful Guardian
Discovering the Marvels of the Green Lacewing In the intricate tapestry of the natural world, there exists a creature so delicate yet mighty, so unassuming yet crucial to the balance of ecosystems – the Green Lacewing. Often overlooked amidst the buzz of charismatic species, this dainty insect holds a pivotal role in maintaining ecological harmony.…
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Fairy Dusters and Fig Trees
One of the great things about living in the Sonoran Desert are the variety of plants that grow here. Today, I give you the Fairy Duster (Calliandra californica) and the Fig Tree (Ficus carica). Continue reading →
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