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May Theme: The Desert Bloom

Discussion

23 replies
Posted by Joshua Hardin on May 5, 2013 at 10:33 PM
The thunderstorms of spring nourish the parched earth of our region's desert landscapes in the short window from late March to early June. During this time of year, environments widely known for their dry, monochromatic soils explode with a rainbow of colorful wildflowers in the window of just a few weeks. Celebrate "The Desert Bloom" with us by posting your flower photos in this month's theme.

For those of you going to the Moab Spring Fling, be on the lookout for southern Utah flowers and don't forget to post your images here!
Posted by Joshua Hardin on May 5, 2013 at 10:38 PM
Here are some claret cup cactus blooms I found near Echo Park, Dinosaur National Monument one beautiful May afternoon to get us started!
Posted by Scott Fricke on May 6, 2013 at 12:30 PM
These were the biggest, brightest cactus blooms I'd ever seen. Taken on the road to White Pocket just before the sand hill.
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 1:05 PM
Great images, Joshua & Scott! Scott, those are huge blooms and just gorgeous.
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:28 PM
Oh goodie! I have lots of images for this category :biggrin: Indian paintbrush near Cisco, Utah
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:29 PM
Claret cup cactus near Fruita, Colo.
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Blue flax in Bang's Canyon area
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Desert four o'clocks at the Monument (Colo. Nat'l Monument)
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:32 PM
Pink sego lilly near Fruita, Colo.
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:32 PM
Another claret cup cactus
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:33 PM
Salsify in No Thoroughfare Canyon in the Monument
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:39 PM
Whipple's fish hook cactus near Cisco, Utah
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:40 PM
I'm not 100% sure of the ID on these but believe them to be Cisco Woody Aster. (And, they were shot near Cisco, Utah!) If anyone knows for sure what they are, I'd love a positive ID.
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:43 PM
Sego lillies carpeted many areas near Cisco, Utah this past weekend. I think the timely recent moisture we've had will make the wildflower season a little brighter this year in the desert!
Posted by Angela Classen on May 13, 2013 at 6:48 PM
Perky Sue in the Monument

Sorry, didn't mean to "hijack" the thread but it's rare I have so many images that fit the monthly theme. If I went overboard, feel free to reign me in.
Posted by Bob Miller on May 15, 2013 at 8:29 PM
Three Sisters, Peralta Trail, Superstition Mountains, Arizona
Posted by John Mumaw on May 16, 2013 at 4:09 PM
My favorite desert flower...the Sacred Datura (Moonflower).
Posted by Jeff Hackett on May 16, 2013 at 11:44 PM
From down around the UT/AZ border. Bloomin' Yuccas.
Posted by Jackson Frishman on May 19, 2013 at 4:59 PM
A bit of an oldie from Dinosaur above the Yampa....

I love those yuccas, Jeff!
Posted by Grant Collier on May 20, 2013 at 2:45 PM
Here's one of the best claret cup blooms I've seen...
Posted by Dean Sauskojus on May 20, 2013 at 5:46 PM
Thought I would get back on the bandwagon before I forget how to post photos. I just haven't shot much lately. This is an older 4x5 image but I thought it fit the topic well.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on May 25, 2013 at 4:10 PM
Yellow mule ear flowers at the entrance to South Coyote Buttes.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on May 26, 2013 at 1:38 PM
Prickly Pear blooming along the edge of Marble Canyon.
Posted by Peter Coskun on May 27, 2013 at 1:31 AM
Gold poppies and lupine beneath fiery skies and a rising crescent moon by bartlett lake in Cave Creek, Arizona.