Along the many miles we’ve hiked, myriad desert blooms decorated the edges of our trails. Their tenacity is laudable, their adaptability remarkable. Each one was a delightful discovery. Thanks to the PictureThis app on Skip’s phone, we learned their names. Here are a few photos of our favorites.
We also encountered many types of shrubs and trees. Most of the desert plants and flowers have properties which were used by native peoples for food, medicine, and to make items for their homes and lives. My favorite shrub was Mormon Tea. As you guessed, the Mormons and others boiled the branches in water for tea and for medicine.
The Utah Juniper was the most interesting tree we observed. According to the National Park Service, “The Utah juniper is the classic desert tree. Its twisting, often-dead branches seem to epitomize the struggle of life with little water. When moisture is scarce, a juniper will actually stop the flow of fluids to some outer branches so that the tree has a better chance for survival. Scale-covered leaves and bluish, waxy-coated seeds help the tree conserve moisture.” Here’s one great example. We saw dozens like this, half dead and twisted branches, half still budding with spring growth beginning.
Now, we are moving on to Colorado. We can’t wait to explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hope you’ll come along for the ride!
Isn’t that a great app? Such lovely pics – thank you!
Wonderful app, isn’t it? Desert booms always amaze us!
God is truly the Master Gardener. That yellow blossom is so pretty. It’s so surprising how these plants not only survive, but blossom in this arid land. Thank you for your wonderful glimpses of this land!
I love the desert in bloom.