Also known as Golden Desert Snapdragon, this neat little flower is found throughout the Mojave Desert at elevations below 4600 feet. Generally found in washes, this attractive wildflower blooms from late February through April. Formerly classified as a member of the Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae), this plant is now considered to be a member of the Plantain Family (Plantaginaceae) as a result of genetic analysis of its genome. (Click here for more info!)

      Some plants are difficult to identify and for some reason Bailey's Ivesia gave me a particularly difficult time! I photographed this plant last summer while on a hike in Nevada. In fact, it was in the Quinn Range, not far from Adaven (that's Nevada spelled backwards, in case you didn't notice). The plants were growing up on a rock wall, hanging out of crevices. They were hard not to notice and since I was already out on a plant hunting expedition, it stands to reason that I snapped some pictures. BTW, a similar species called Rock Mousetail (Ivesia saxosa) is found in the Panamint Range. (Click here for more info!)

      Endemic to Calfornia, broad-flowered gilia is not only an attractive spring wildflower, it is also likely to make a showing even during dry years. Also known as hollyleaf gilia and by the scientific name Gilia latiflora, this plant produces flowers during April, May, and June. It grows to a height of up to about twelve inches and is most often found growing in washes. (Click here for more info!)

      Sometimes blooming in early February, Spectacle-Pod is an attractive plant often found growing in and around sand dunes and sandy washes. This plant is prevalent in Searles Valley and in many other locations in the Death Valley region. As is typical of other members of the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae), the flowers have four petals and six stamens. BTW, at one time the Brassicaceae was known as the Cruciferae. (Click here for more info!)

      Also known as Birdcage Evening Primrose, Dune Primrose, and Desert Lantern, this flower is especially prevalent in sand dune areas from Panamint Valley to Indian Wells Valley at elevations between 1100 and 3500 feet. Although most plant books state that this plant produces flowers from March through May, some years flowers appear during the last half of February. As the name suggests, this plant is found growing in and around sand dunes. (Click here for more info!)

      The flowers produced by Ground Cherry are quite attractive, but its fruit is equally, if not more, interesting. Most often described as resembling a paper lantern, it is no surprise that this plant is closely related to an ornamental known as Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi). Enclosed in the "paper lantern" is a fleshy berry, a feature shared with another relative, the tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica). Although Ground Cherry produces a root which is sometimes compared to that of a radish, it is in no way related to the radish! (Click here for more info!)