Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Those who know the Granite Mountain trails for their wildflower displays and who have been disappointed in the display earlier this year should try to visit the area again. Flowering has come late to two species in the area that usually put on good shows (due perhaps to the cool spring?), brittlebush and chuparosa. Both often begin flowering as early as December and January but were substantially delayed this year. They are both in full flower now, as are many of the usual suspects - poppies and lupines are still putting on a good show, as are owl's clover and hedgehog cacti. Many little surprises await for wildflower aficionados. Wonderful show from the banana yuccas as well, especially between Granite and Cholla Mountains.