Nevada Natural Heritage Program
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 5002 • Carson City, Nevada 89701-5245
tel: (775) 684-2900 • fax: (775) 684-2909

Nevada Wildflower Reports On-line summarizes the most recent reports of plant growth and reproduction, moisture conditions, and wildflower displays we have received, including negative reports. Great Basin Precipitation Watch monitors information on recent and seasonal precipitation conditions in Nevada and the Great Basin. Both are intended as guides for those seeking to time their field research or recreational activities with optimum plant growing conditions throughout Nevada and adjacent areas. The wildflower reports will be maintained as long as enough people contribute observations often (jdmore [at] heritage [dot] nv [dot] gov) enough to make them a useful working tool. Reports older than 1 year will eventually be maintained on a separate archive page. Reports are listed in reverse chronologic order, with recent additions indicated by . Names in bold italics are species of conservation interest in Nevada.

For additional Nevada reports see DesertUSA.com's Nevada-Utah page. For adjacent states see also Utah's Red Butte Garden Wildflower Hotline, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Great Wildflowers Discussion Board and Wildflower Links, Death Valley National Park's Wildflowers page, Carol Leigh's California Wildflower Hotsheet, and DesertUSA.com's Arizona and California pages. Visit the web pages of the Nevada Native Plant Society (NNPS) for information on upcoming field trips. See NNHP's Recommended Readings page for a list of regional wildflower and plant identification books and references.

2 May 2008, lower reaches of Wild Oat Mountain (slope to N of Topaz Lake), Pine Nut Mountains, Douglas Co., ~5200 ft: Eriogonum with yellow flowers held high, Mentzelia cf. veatchiana, a 2nd all-yellow Mentzelia-like plant, Erigeron aphanactis, Camissonia pusilla, two lupines one only 3-4 inches with flowers held close (deep violet and white), other slightly higher with flowers held high, Blepharipappus scaber, Astragalus purshii with cotton balls already forming, a second (scarce) Astragalus, an unidentified yellow composite with basal wavy-edged leaves, a couple of Gilia species, peppergrass (Lepidium), Castilleja applegatei, Phlox stansburyi, Plagiobothrys, and others not identified. By the road, Amsinckia tessellata, Eschscholzia, and others. Of course Purshia tridentata and Ephedra are blooming. Be sure to look for the tiny but cute purple flower in the shade of the Piñon. Pat Neyman, Nevada Native Plant Society

2 May 2008, southeastern Sun Valley, north of Wildcreek Golf Course, Washoe Co., 4800-5000 ft: Filaree (Erodium cicutarium), fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), biscuitroot (Lomatium austiniae and L. nevadense), wild onion (Allium cf. anceps), death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus), balsamroot (Balsamorhiza), blue mustard (Chorispora tenella), dwarf lupine, and annual phlox (Phlox gracilis) were all blooming. My patch of bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) is blooming and I noticed 3 escapees 200 yards further along. I noticed a single Gilia sp. as well as a lone diminutive Eriogonum plant on my ramble. Leo Horishny, Sun Valley, NV 

12 April 2008, Alabama Hills, Owens Valley, Inyo Co., California, 4000-4500 ft: Not to be missed! Abundant winter rainfall has produced remarkable displays of Malacothrix glabrata along 395, Linanthus aureus and Eriophyllum on the west side of the hills. Oxytheca perfoliata, Camissonia parvula, Linanthus dichotomus, and Lomatium mohavense were also in bloom, among much else. Steve Matson, CNPS Tahoe Chapter

12 April 2008, Fort Churchill State Park to 3 miles up Carson River, Lyon Co., 4200-4400 ft:, very green with excellent germination, and the first flowers appearing on Populus fremontii (Frémont cottonwood, no leaves yet), Picrothamnus desertorum (budsage), Sarcobatus baileyi (bailey greasewood), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage), Prunus andersonii (desert peach), Plagiobothrys kingii kingii (Great Basin popcornflower), Descurainia incisa (tansy mustard), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Cryptantha circumscissa (sand cryptantha), Cymopterus corrugatus (corrugated wavewing), Amsinckia tessellata (fiddleneck), Phacelia bicolor bicolor (sticky yellowthroats), P. gymnoclada (nakedstem phacelia), Nama aretioides (purple mat), Gilia inconspicua (shy gilia), Glyptopleura marginata (carveseed or peanut butter plant), and Ranunculus testiculatus (bur buttercup). James Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, with Cameron

10 April 2008, Panamint Valley off Minietta Road, Death Valley National Park, Inyo Co., California, ~1200 ft: abundant Chorizanthe rigida and C. brevicornu, Ambrosia dumosa, Larrea tridentata, and species of Pterocarya, Phacelia, Langloisia, Cryptantha, Gilia, and Mohavea in flower. Steve Matson, CNPS Tahoe Chapter

31 March 2008, Carlin area, Elko Co., ~5000 ft: Orogenia linearifolia (turkeypeas), Ranunculus andersonii (violet buttercup), R. glaberrimus (Great basin buttercup, a couple of species of Lomatium (biscuit root), and a few feeble Viola beckwithii (Great Basin violet) were out. Arnold Tiehm and Jan Nachlinger, in NNPS Newsletter 34(4): 4-5

30 March 2008, Pine Nut Mountains along Highway 395 south of Gardnerville, Double Spring Flat area, Douglas Co., 5900 ft: I surveyed the site known for Ivesia webberi and found two species of Lomatium (probably nevadense var. nevadense and dissectum) and best of all, abundant Cusickiella douglasii. I have been looking to find the latter in bloom for years. A nice surprise. Steve Matson, CNPS Tahoe Chapter

30 March 2008, foothills of Pine Nut Mountains east of Gardnerville, Douglas Co., 5100-5400 ft: Plenty of green and seedlings, first early flowers just emerging, photographed Mimulus suksdorfii (miniature monkeyflower), Erodium cicutarium (filaree), Lomatium nevadense (Nevada parsley), and L. foeniculaceum var. macdougalii. Smooth horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata) in green leaf and bud. Jim Morefield (NNHP) with Cameron

29 March 2008, northern Owens Valley, Inyo/Mono counties, California, 4000-5000 ft: blooming nicely now in many locations. Round Valley reveals Amsinckia tessellata var. tessellata, Mentzelia nitens, Prunus andersonii, Muilla coronata, and some species of Gilia. The Chalk Bluffs along the Owens River showed Mentzelia nitens also, plus two species of Cryptantha, Gilia leptomeria, Grayia spinosa, Eschscholzia minutiflora, Ephedra viridis, and others in full bloom. Steve Matson, CNPS Tahoe Chapter

17-23 March 2008, US Highway 395 corridor, Owens Valley and Mojave Desert, Inyo, Kern, and San Bernardino counties, California, 2000-5000 ft: excellent germination in shrub interspaces throughout Owens Valley to the El Paso Range south of Ridgecrest, within about 6 miles north and south of Kramer Junction, and on the north slopes Cajon Pass. The remaining stretches were drier and spottier, with germination more limited to shrub driplines, with mainly filaree (Erodium cicutarium) in the interspaces. Returning north on the 23rd, the Indian Wells Valley and Ridgecrest areas southward were approaching full bloom. Southern Owens Valley was in full green, with some of the earlier species such as yellow peppercress (Lepidium flavum) and filaree in flower, and full bloom approaching rapidly. Northern Owens Valley was still in early green, with dry and warming weather threatening to foreshorten the show in that area. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

12 March 2008, lower Colorado River drainage, Clark Co.: good year for wildflowers down south. We found good wildflower displays in southern Nevada around Laughlin, Cottonwood Cove, and Lake Mead last week of sand verbena, phacelias, desert chicory, primroses, pink lupines, desert mimulus, some brittlebrush. The Enceliopsis and the bearpoppy were not in bloom yet. The desert along the Lake Mead drive to Overton is also covered with wildflowers, though one must walk away from the road to find them. The fiddlenecks, Cryptantha, Mentzelias, primroses, and phacelias are blooming, just not in the spectacular displays one can see in other areas. Rose Strickland & Dennis Ghiglieri

12 March 2008, Furnace Creek area, Death Valley National Park, CA, Inyo Co., ~ 0 ft: photographs of Phacelia cf. crenulata, Geraea canescens displays, Monoptilon sp., Eremalche rotundifolia, Camissonia brevipes, Eschscholzia glyptosperma, and Abronia villosa by Dennis Ghiglieri. Rose Strickland

20 June 2007, Humboldt Range, Humboldt Canyon from Humboldt City ruins up to a water intake at the narrows, Pershing Co., 5200-5800 ft: the rare Penstemon palmeri var. macranthus (Lahontan beardtongue) was still in flower along with Asclepias fascicularis (narrowleaf milkweed), Sphaeralcea grossulariaefolia (cutleaf globemallow), Iva axillaris (povertyweed), Eriogonum heermannii var. humilius (Heermann buckwheat), E. elatum (tall buckwheat), Mentzelia laevicaulis var. laevicaulis (blazingstar), Sambucus mexicana (blue elderberry), Stanleya pinnata (desert plume), and Scrophularia desertorum (desert figwort). Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) were also in overabundance. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, with Steve Caicco, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

3 June 2007, Union Pass, a pinyon-juniper habitat south of Carlin, Eureka Co., ~6500-7000 ft: although the area appears dry, many species are in full flower. Sego lily (Calochortus bruneaunis) is in bloom and scattered in sagebrush-juniper. In a nearby draw clustered broomrape (Orobanche fasciculata) was the great find of the day. Prickly poppy (Argemone munita) is standing out in brilliant relief in a previous burn area, now reddish with drying cheat (Bromus tectorum). Scarlet gilia (Gilia aggregata), blue penstemon (Penstemon speciosus), Bolander yampa (Perideridia bolanderi), and tapertip onion (Allium acuminatum) are all in flower, with mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus) just coming on, but still fragrant in the morning breeze. Mary Winter, Carlin

31 May 2007, by Thousand Springs Ranch, 3.75 road miles east of US 93, Elko Co., 5575 ft: Chrysothamnus with Artemisias; dry with little else; Tetradymia spinosa var. spinosa (spiny horsebrush) was in flower, but uncommon; Astragalus toanus (Toano milkvetch) was hardly there (I saw only one plant in the vicinity; other years, this plant was quite common about this time) with flowers just beginning to open. Ann Pinzl, Carson City

31 May 2007, west side of Windermere Hills, US 93, about 2 road miles north of HD Summit, Elko Co., 5950 ft: Chrysothamnus with Artemisia by road; Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawksbeard), Aster scopulorum (lava aster), Penstemon kingii (King penstemon), Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Astragalus filipes (threadstalk milkvetch) in flower and fruit, Astragalus iodanthus (Humboldt River milkvetch) in fruit, Lupinus arbustus (spur lupine) in fruit, Allium acuminatum (tapertip onion), and a yellow Melilotus (sweet-clover) hugging the road edge. Ann Pinzl, Carson City

30 May 2007, Wellington Hills above Hoye Bridge, Douglas Co., 5000-5300 ft: very dry, occasional small individuals of Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) were the only annuals.  Sarcobatus vermiculatus (big greasewood) was in full male flower, Purshia glandulosa (desert bitterbrush) was in fruit, and occasional individuals of Tetradymia glabrata (smooth horsebrush), Salvia dorrii var. dorrii (purple sage), and Eriogonum ochrocephalum var. alexandrae (Alexander buckwheat) had a few flowers. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

30 May 2007, Desert Creek canyon above Desert Creek Ranch, east slope Sweetwater Mountains, Douglas and Lyon cos., 5900-6100 ft: moisture had been abundant enough in this area to produce a dense crop of Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) and other annuals. In flower were Salvia dorrii var. dorrii (purple sage), Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush), Tetradymia glabrata (smooth horsebrush), Stanleya pinnata (desert plume), Mirabilis laevis (wishbone bush), Camissonia claviformis (clubfruit evening primrose), Mentzelia veatchiana (Veatch stickleaf), Chaenactis douglasii var. douglasii (dusty maidens), Symphoricarpos longiflorus (desert snowberry), Asclepias cryptoceras (pallid milkweed), Erigeron linearis (yellow fleabane), Poa secunda var. secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), and many others. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

17 May 2007, White Rock Road, Desert National Wildlife Range, Clark Co.: 
Chaenactis fremontii, Atrichoseris platyphylla, Langloisia setosissima, Baileya spp., Camissonia campestris, Eriogonum spp. and many cactus spp. are in bloom. Jill Craig, UNLV

11 May 2007, Fishlake Valley, east base of White Mountains, Furnace Creek fan southeast of Dyer, Esmeralda (and Mono) Co., 4,950-5,500 ft: an apparent localized winter precipitation event centered on this area along the Nevada-California border produced an exceptional display of annuals in an otherwise poor year for annuals in the region.  Coupled with a later, early spring precipitation event over most of Fishlake Valley and the northern Silver Peak Range (now producing exceptional shrub and perennial displays), dense stands of Chaenactis stevioides (desert pincushion) and Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion) were in full flower on the higher elevations of the fan (earlier at lower elevations), along with Phacelia fremontii (yellowthroats), Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf), Cryptantha circumscissa (cushion cryptantha), C. pterocarya (wingnut cryptantha), C. utahensis (Utah cryptantha), C. recurvata (bent cryptantha), Amsinckia tessellata (fiddleneck), Pectocarya setosa (spiny combseed), Loeseliastrum schottii (little sunbonnets), Gilia species, Ipomopsis polycladon (forked gilia), Eriogonum pusillum (little buckwheat), Lupinus flavoculatus (yellow-eyed lupine), L. brevicaulis (shortstem lupine), Salvia columbariae (chia), Lepidium lasiocarpum (St. George pepperwort), Streptanthella longirostris (fiddle mustard), Eschscholzia minutiflora (little goldpoppy), Eriastrum wilcoxii (woollystar), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), and B. rubens (red brome), and many others. Among the flowering shrubs and perennials were Menodora spinescens (spiny menodora), Lepidium fremontii (bush peppercress), Tetradymia axillaris (cottonthorn), Ephedra nevadensis (Nevada Mormon tea), Picrothamnus desertorum (budsage), Grayia spinosa (hopsage), Lycium andersonii (boxthorn), Ericameria cooperi (Cooper goldenbush), Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat), Ambrosia salsola (cheesebush), Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush), Purshia glandulosa (desert bitterbrush), Erigeron aphanactis (gold buttons), Tricardia watsonii (threehearts), Sphaeralcea ambigua var. ambigua (apricot mallow), Castilleja angustifolia (desert paintbrush), Sclerocactus polyancistrus (Mojave eagleclaw cactus), Cryptantha confertiflora (yellow forget-me-not), Astragalus serenoi var. shockleyi (purple broom), A. layneae (Layne milkvetch), Oenothera caespitosa var. marginata (sand lily), Eriogonum ovalifolium var. purpureum (purple cushion buckwheat), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Pleuraphis jamesii (galleta grass), and Blepharidachne kingii (eyelash grass). Jim Morefield and Jepson Weekend Workshop participants

11 May 2007, Fishlake Valley, northeast tip of White Mountains, basalt outcrops southwest of NV highway 264 east of Sand Spring, Esmeralda Co., 4,950-5,500 ft: an early spring precipitation event over most of Fishlake Valley and the northern Silver Peak Range was too late for the annuals in most places (see exception above), but is just now bringing out abundant growth and flowering of shrubs and perennials, including Lycium shockleyi (wolfberry), Sarcobatus baileyi (Bailey greasewood), Kochia americana (gray molly), Acamptopappus shockleyi (Shockley goldenhead), Menodora spinescens (spiny menodora), Ephedra nevadensis (Nevada Mormon tea), Picrothamnus desertorum (budsage), Sphaeralcea ambigua var. rosea (rosy globemallow), Mirabilis alipes (rose four-o'clock), Sporobolus cryptandrus (sand dropseed), Erigeron breweri var. porphyreticus (boulder daisy), and Pleuraphis jamesii (galleta grass). One budding shrub of Ambrosia dumosa (white bursage) was also observed. Jim Morefield and Jepson Weekend Workshop participants

5 May 2007, Pine Creek Trail, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area west of Las Vegas, Clark Co.: the rare Spring Mountains milkvetch (Astragalus remotus) and rough angelica (Angelica scabrida) were seen, along with flowers of bladder sage (Salazaria mexicana), indigo bush (Psorothamnus fremontii), Pima rhatany (Krameria erecta), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium), the cacti Echinocereus engelmannii and Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea, bush penstemon (Penstemon ambiguus var. laevissimus), golden aster (Heterotheca villosa var. scabra), yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica), skeleton plant (Lygodesmia grandiflora var. dianthopsis), stream orchid (Epipactis gigantea), and firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii). Giant chain fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) and maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) were seen in riparian rocky places. Jason Willand and NNPS field trip participants

5 May 2007, Prison Hill, Carson City, 4870-5500 ft: in bloom were Eriogonum umbellatum (sulfur flower), E. caespitosum (cespitose buckwheat), Castilleja angustifolia, Lupinus argenteus, Balsamorhiza sagittata, B. hookeri, and Phlox hoodii (woolly phlox). In profusion but not yet in bloom near the summit were Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides (daggerpod) on the north side and Keckiella breviflora var. glabrisepala on the south side. Larry Taylor and NNPS field trip participants

19 April 2007, Elko and Carlin areas, Elko Co., 5,000-7,000 ft: The season is well underway in these foothills. Spring-parsleys and lomatiums are all in flower and some in fruit. Arabis holboellii and Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides (daggerpod) are both carrying immature siliques. The early buttercups Ranunculus glaberrimus and R. andersonii (sagebrush, violet buttercups) are setting fruit. Viola beckwithii (Beckwith violet) has been in full flower with Viola nuttallii just coming on. Fritillaria pudica (yellow bells) flowers are drying to orange, while F. atropurpurea (leopard lily) is still in bud. Phlox hoodii is in full flower, and is fragrant en masse! Both Claytonia lanceolata (spring beauty) and Sisyrinchium douglasii (purple-eyed grass) are in full flower in the northern county. There should be a great onion display this season, Allium platycaule (broad-stemmed onion) is set to let go in a big way! Mary Winter, Carlin

8 April 2007, Southeastern Sun Valley, north of Wildcreek Golf Course, Washoe Co., 4800-5000 ft: Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) is blooming, fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) is appearing, biscuitroot (Lomatium austiniae and L. nevadense) has been sprouting for several days, wild onion (Allium cf. anceps), death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus), balsamroot (Balsamorhiza), blue mustard (Chorispora tenella) and dwarf lupine are all growing. Leo Horishny, Sun Valley, NV 

7 April 2007, Fort Churchill State Park to Churchill Narrows, Lyon Co., 4200-4400 ft:, not a stitch of annual growth to be seen anywhere, literally. Even on the sheltered slopes, under shrubs and among last year's cheatgrass. Plenty of standing dead growth from the last two year (see 13 May 2006 and 8 May 2005), but that's all. The only flowers in evidence were desert peaches (Prunus andersonii) in the wash of Mill Canyon west of Churchill Narrows. Along the Carson River and Churchill Canyon, the cottonwoods were just putting out their male catkins. James Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, with Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin

4 April 2007, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Nye Co., 2100-2400 ft: several of the rare species were flowering early, including Astragalus phoenix (Ash Meadows milkvetch), A. preussii (Preuss milkvetch), Arctomecon merriamii (white bearpoppy), Sisyrinchium funereum (Death Valley blue-eyed grass) , and Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata (Ash Meadows sunray). Mentzelia leucophylla (Ash Meadows blazingstar) and Ivesia kingii var. eremica (Ash Meadows mousetails) were well in leaf. Otherwise, only a few other species were seen in flower: Encelia frutescens, Amphipappus fremontii, and Dodecatheon pulchellum (shooting star). Jim Morefield and the Nevada Rare Plant Workshop field trip

30 March 2007, Carson City area, 4700-6000 ft: from a distance at least, not much green happening yet in the hills surrounding Carson City, not even much cheatgrass showing on the north-facing slopes. While we've had a few good soaking rains and blankets of snow this winter, they've been too far apart, and separated by too much dry warmth, to support a large amount of germination. The shrubs and perennials will probably be fine once they start showing their stuff, but not for long with the climate outlook consistently predicting drier and warmer than average conditions for the remainder of spring. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

26-29 June 2006, headwaters of the North Fork of the Humboldt River, east slope of the Independence Range, northwestern Elko Co., 7000-7800 ft: Above the Big Springs mine to Jack Creek summit the riparian and upland flowers were blooming in profusion, including Penstemon, Castilleja, Arnica, Aquilegia, Balsamorhiza, Polemonium, Geranium, Myosotis, Sidalcea, and Potentilla. The road is not in great shape right now because of the runoff but it's still drivable in a passenger car. Janel Johnson, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

19 June 2006, along Nevada route 34, northern Washoe Co.: north side of Fortynine Mountain Washoe Co., 5580 ft: in sagebrush, lupine and among many grasses were: Blepharipappus scaber (eyelashweed) which was very abundant here and other locations in northern Washoe County, Allium acuminatum (taper-tip onion), Vicia americana (American vetch) which was mostly in fruit, Plectritis macrocera (white seablush) also mostly in fruit, Castilleja pilosa (hairy paintbrush), Crepis occidentalis (large flower hawk’s-beard), and Cryptantha ambigua. Continuing south, at the south end of Long Valley, 5700 ft: at a somewhat sandy site among Artemisia, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus and grasses were found: Astragalus curvicarpus (American sickle) in dense fruit with some flowers left, Astragalus malacus (shaggy milkvetch) only in fruit, Lupinus brevicaulis (shortstem lupine) both flower and fruit, Chorizanthe watsonii (fivetooth spineflower), Gilia salticola (salt gilia), Crepis acuminata (longleaf hawk’s-beard), Delphinium andersonii (desert larkspur) and Camissonia parvula (lewis river suncup). Farther south, about 4½ road miles south of Lost Creek turnoff, 5600 ft: on a somewhat east-facing mild slope with a basaltic substrate were: Blepharipappus scaber (eyelashweed) again very abundant here, Helianthus cusickii (Cusick’s sunflower) in good numbers with the Blepharipappus, Astragalus obscurus (arcane milkvetch), Penstemon laetus (western gray beardtongue) with fruit and fading flowers. By the Lund Petrified Forest Monument, 5860 ft: Senecio canus (woolly butterweed), Scutellaria nana (dwarf skullcap), Erigeron linearis (desert yellow fleabane), Erigeron chrysopsidis austiniae (dwarf yellow fleabane), and Navarretia breweri (yellow pincushion plant). Ann Pinzl, Carson City

7 June 2006, Virginia City area (Lon. -119.63936, Lat 39.30898), Storey Co., about 6000 ft: Along a trail that begins in Virginia City at a shaded information kiosk adjacent to the Storey County High School, crosses the entrance to the recycling center, then follows a dirt road, proceeds down-hill and roughly to the east for about a mile or mile and a half, the north facing section of the trail was heavily colonized with silver lupine (Lupinus argenteus). Other frequent species in flower included sego lily (Calochortus bruneaunis), larkspur (Delphinium sp.), mountain onion (Allium bisceptrum), wavyleaf paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei var. pinetorum), Nevada sulfur-flower (Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense), and royal penstemon (Penstemon speciosus). Tom Baugh, Hidden Springs NC

4 June 2006, Sunrise Pass road, west slope of Pine Nut Mountains, Douglas Co.: in an area of sandy hills grew hopsage, sagebrush, Mormon tea, granite gilia, Utah juniper and pinyon pine. Among these flowered bright pink sand verbena (Tripterocalyx crux-maltae), white evening primroses (Oenothera caespitosa), mariposa lilies (Calochortus bruneaunis), Great Basin rayless daisy (Erigeron aphanactis), paint brush (Castilleja angustifolia), Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea, Cryptantha circumscissa, and Camissonia. Past a painted rock were little-leaf horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata), low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), tidytips (Layia glandulosa), wild onions (Allium sp.), Phlox gracilis, P. hoodii, Townsendia scapigera, and Lupinus brevicaulis. In the mountains at about 6,000 feet, in a meadow grew butterweed (Senecio integerrimus), Iris missouriensis, purple cross flower (Chorispora tenella), and burr buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus). In a shrubby area sloping up to a coniferous forest were Fritillaria pinetorum, Astragulus purshii, Eriogonum caespitosum, and Viola aurea. At our lunch spot higher on a windy ridge, bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) was in full bloom, along with areas of bright pink skunky monkeyflower (Mimulus nanus), bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva), pussy paws (Calyptridium sp.), Delphinium andersonii, and blue-eyed marys (Collinsia parviflora). Along a roadside after lunch was a patch of low-growing yellow Phacelia adenophora. Bonnie Larsen, Larry Taylor, and NNPS field trip participants

12-14 May 2006, White River Valley, Nye and White Pine cos.: in low white hills south of Dave Deacon State Park saw Mahonia fremontii (Frémont mahonia), Oxytropis oreophila var. juniperina (mountain oxytrope), Mentzelia tiehmii (Tiehm's blazingstar, just starting to grow), Linum kingii (kings flax), Cryptantha welshii (welsh's cryptanth).  Across a salty clay area to some dunes, saw Phacelia parishii (parish's phacelia), Penstemon immanifestus (steptoe valley beardtongue), Astragalus toanus (toano milkvetch), Asclepias cryptoceras (pallid milkweed), Townsendia scapigera (tufted townsend daisy), and Artemisia pygmaea (pygmy sagebrush) which was a very dark green against the light gray of the landscape. On a higher elevation on a bench on the east side of the valley was Penstemon confusus (owens valley beardtongue), Scutellaria sapphirina (white pine skullcap), Abronia nana (dwarf sand verbena), Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. nudicaulis (nakedstem sunray), and Machaeranthera grindelioides var. depressa (rayless tansyaster). Southwest along the highway towards Railroad Valley were Cryptantha congesta, with blossoms all the way to the base of the plant, Astragalus jejunus var. jejunus (starveling milkvetch), Penstemon dolius var. dolius (jones beardtongue), and Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. mojavensis (mojave claretcup cactus).  In Railroad Valley found one plant of Sphaeralcea caespitosa var. williamsiae (railroad valley globemallow) in flower. Gary Monroe and NNPS field trip participants

13 May 2006, Fort Churchill State Park and upstream near the Carson River, Lyon Co., 4200-4300 ft: non-native tansy mustard (Descurainia sophia) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) were as tall and even denser in many places than last year, and seemed to be out-competing native annuals and perennials even on some undisturbed hillsides.  Flowering phenology was even more delayed than last year, perhaps 3 weeks behind average.  Among the natives, in full flower were Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf), Cryptantha pterocarya (wingnut cryptantha), C. circumscissa (sand cryptantha), C. micrantha (redroot cryptantha), Nama aretioides (purple mat), Delphinium cf. andersonii (larkspur), and budsage (Picrothamnus desertorum).   In early flower were Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion), Amsinckia tessellata (fiddleneck), Plagiobothrys kingii (Great Basin popcornflower), Grayia spinosa (hopsage), apricot mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), prince's plume (Stanleya pinnata), Phacelia gymnoclada, and desert pincushion (Chaenactis stevioides).  In bud were Camissonia claviformis (clubfruit evening primrose), Lemmon buckwheat (Eriogonum lemmonii), and showy dustymaidens (Chaenactis macrantha).  Still vegetative were smooth horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata), catclaw horsebrush (T. spinosa), dune horsebrush (T. tetrameres), woolly star (Eriastrum wilcoxii), and Bailey greasewood (Sarcobatus baileyi). Along the Carson River, the cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) were fully leafed out. James Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, with Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin

2 May 2006, Sunridge area along highway 395, northern Douglas County, 4700-5000 ft: desert peach (Prunus andersonii) and bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) starting to flower in profusion. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

29 April 2006, Columbia Hill Road, which accesses BLM land facing the east side of the Peterson Range, at the right-of-way of the former Nevada, California and Oregon Railroad, Washoe Co., ca. 5500 ft: Viola beckwithii, abundant Lomatium plummerae (or was it donellii?), Allium parvum (low growing pink onion), Phlox gracilis (slender phlox), Madia gracilis (madia), Antennaria dimorpha (everlasting or pussytoes), Lithophragma glabrum (prarie star), Collinsia parviflora (blue-eyed Mary), Astragalus malacus (locoweed or milkvetch), and Ribes velutinus (currant). John Dyer and NNPS Field Trip participants

21 April 2006, southeastern Sun Valley (Reno area), behind Wildcreek Golf Course, Washoe Co., 4800-5000 ft: Beckwith's violet (Viola beckwithii) was found blooming today. Leo Horishny, Sun Valley, NV

16 April, 2006, southeastern Sun Valley (Reno area), behind Wildcreek Golf Course, Washoe Co., 4800-5000 ft: fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) is starting to bloom, yellow and white species of biscuitroot (Lomatium austiniae and L. nevadense) have been blooming for many days, annual phlox (Phlox gracilis) as well. Wild onion (Allium cf. anceps), death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus), Anderson's larkspur (Delphinium andersonii), bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva), balsamroot (Balsamorhiza) and stickleaf (Mentzelia) are all growing. Leo Horishny, Sun Valley, NV

9 and 15 April, 2006, Owens Valley and western Mojave Desert along highway 395, Inyo, Kern, and San Bernardino cos., CA: Much green growth between the shrubs throughout the route, both near and away from highway.  Big Pine and Bishop northward (4000-5000 ft), much green and germination everywhere between the shrubs, almost no flowering yet except for some very early Amsinckia tessellata (fiddleneck), Descurainia pinnata (tansy mustard), and Erodium cicutarium (filaree). Big Pine to Lone Pine (3500-4000 ft), some Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion), Lepidium flavum (yellow peppercress), Eriophyllum wallacei (Wallace woollyleaf), etc. starting to flower.  West side of Owens Lake from Lone Pine to Inyokern (2500-3500 ft), abundant annual bloom in progress, with all of the above plus Phacelia cf. vallis-mortae (Death Valley phacelia), Rafinesquia neomexicana (desert chicory), Chaenactis stevioides and/or fremontii (desert pincushion), Lepidium fremontii (desert pepperbush), Encelia farinosa (brittlebush), etc. also visible from highway.  Inyokern to Victorville (2000-3000 ft), annuals abundant but stunted, appeared to have nearly senesced until recent rains, now continuing to flower amidst abundant annual grasses now bolting.  Most of the above plus Lasthenia sp. (goldfields), Sphaeralcea ambigua (apricot mallow), etc. in flower, a few Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) shrubs starting to flower but most still in bud. Jim Morefield

2 April 2006, highway 95 northwest of Las Vegas to county line, Clark Co., 2200-2700 ft: significant annual growth limited to roadsides where runoff occurred, nothing but last year's skeletons visible farther out among the shrubs. A few Lepidium fremontii (desert pepperbush) and Sphaeralcea ambigua (apricot mallow) were flowering. Jim Morefield

13 February 2006, south of Black Mountain and east of Sloan Canyon, Clark Co., up to 3000 ft: we saw brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) blooming on the south side of the plant only, globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), filaree (Erodium cicutarium), freckled milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus), sweetbush (Bebbia juncea) without much foliage, brittle phacelia? (Phacelia neglecta?) and blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) blooming. Much more than I expected so early and high based on the rain we haven't had. Mike R. Freese, IRS Taxpayer Advocate Section, Las Vegas

13 July 2005, Mount Rose area, Washoe Co., 7500-9500 ft: conditions were very early, with hardly anything flowering yet on shaded or north-facing slopes. Arabis platysperma ranged from not yet in bud, to full fruit on exposed south-facing slopes.  Ceanothus velutinus (deerbrush) and Arctostaphylos nevadensis (Nevada manzanita) were in full flower, as were many other early-season species. Peak flowering conditions in this area are not likely for another 3 weeks or so. Jim Morefield and rockcress field trip members

28-30 May, Humboldt Range, Unionville area, Wilson and Star canyons, Pershing Co.: seen in flower were choke cherry (Prunus virginiana), serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa), Chorispora tenella (purple crossflower), Ranunculus testiculatus, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Lupinus argenteus (silvery lupine), Mertensia oblongifolia (bluebell), Senecio integerrimus, Castilleja chromosa (paintbrush), Ribes aureum (golden currant), R. velutinum (desert gooseberry), R. cereum (wax currant), Collinsia parviflora, Paeonia brownii, Perideridia bolanderi, Plectritis macrocera, Phlox longifolia, Phacelia linearis, Montia perfoliata, Viola nuttallii, Lithophragma sp. (woodland star), Hydrophyllum occidentale, Linum perenne (blue flax), Oenothera caespitosa, Scrophularia desertorum, Heuchera rubescens, Penstemon deustus (hot rock penstemon), Symphoricarpos rotundifolius (snowberry), and Prunus andersonii (desert peach). Because of the outstanding moisture condition, all the flower colors seemed extra vibrant. Paul Mungan, John Dyer, and NNPS Field Trip members

9 May 2005, Sun Valley, BLM land behind Wildcreek Golf Course off the end of Stockade Drive, Washoe Co., 4800-5000 ft: death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus), a form of catseye, a patch of bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva), fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), yellow and white species of biscuitroot (Lomatium austiniae and L. nevadense), scattered tidy tips (Layia glandulosa), annual phlox (Phlox gracilis), tansy mustard (Descurainia pinnata), cutleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri), soft lupine, one lone patch of Beckwith's violets (Viola beckwithii), and one Anderson's larkspur (Delphinium andersonii). Throughout the area I've also seen Nevada parsley (Lomatium nevadense), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), horned buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus), whitestem stickleaf (Mentzelia albicaulis), a few Blepharipappus scaber, 2 or 3 types of bunch grasses, wild onions (Allium), Gilia, and Chaenactis (stevioides?). Leo Horishny, Sun Valley, 775-673-4850 (would be pleased to guide interested parties toward this area)

8 May 2005, Fort Churchill State Park, Lyon Co., 4200-4300 ft: the hills in this area were the greenest, and the annual growth the tallest and densest, that I have ever seen in this region's deserts, and it was still raining! Unfortunately, among the tallest and densest annuals was the non-native tansy mustard, Descurainia sophia, along with plenty of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), but the native species were also diverse, if not quite as prodigious. In abundant flower were Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf), Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion, this also forming dense, bright yellow patches on the hillsides between here and Silver Springs), Amsinckia tessellata (fiddleneck, many covered with small black caterpillars), Glyptopleura marginata (carveseed or peanut butter plant), Cryptantha recurvata (bent forget-me-not), C. pterocarya (wingnut cryptantha), C. utahensis (Utah forget-me-not), C. circumscissa (sand cryptantha), Plagiobothrys kingii (Great Basin popcornflower), Nama aretioides (purple mat), Camissonia claviformis (clubfruit evening primrose), budsage (Picrothamnus desertorum), Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), Grayia spinosa (hopsage), apricot mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), and rose four-o'clock (Mirabilis alipes). Along the Carson River, the cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) were all about 1/2 leafed out. James Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, with Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin

27 April 2005, Steamboat Hot Springs south of Reno, Washoe Co., 4580-4670 ft: the east slope of the main spring mound was dense with Layia glandulosa (tidy tips) in flower, along with Plectritis macrocera (white cornsalad), Astragalus purshii (woollypod milkvetch), Camissonia contorta (dwarf suncup), Mimulus ovatus (Steamboat monkeyflower, near steam vents only),  Hesperochiron californicus (California monkey-fiddle), Poa secunda var. secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Erysimum capitatum (western wallflower), Collinsia parviflora (blue-eyed Mary), Mentzelia montana (mountain stickleaf), Lewisia rediviva (bitterroot), and Leucocrinum montanum (star lily), and Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass). Some plants of Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae (Steamboat buckwheat) were just starting new aerial stems. In fruit were Claytonia rubra var. depressa (cushion miners lettuce), Draba verna (spring whitlowcress), and Phlox gracilis (annual phlox). James Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

25 April 2005, Lone Mountain, Carson City, 4700 ft.: bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is just now breaking bud. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

18 April 2005, Lone Mountain, Carson City, 4700 ft.: desert peach (Prunus andersonii) is just now breaking bud. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

16-17 April 2005, Sarcobatus Flat - Bullfrog Hills - Grapevine Mountains, southwestern Nye Co., 4000-7500 ft.: snowpack was still down to about 7400 ft. in the Strozzi Ranch area of the Grapevine Mountains. Lupinus holmgrenanus was widespread and flowering in the Bullfrog Hills. Arnold Tiehm, Nevada Native Plant Society

16 April 2005, west foothills of Pine Nut Mountains just east of Wildflower Estates, Douglas Co., 5100 ft.: only the earliest species were at their flowering peak, including Lomatium nevadense and L. cf. austiniae (white- and yellow-flowered, respectively, in separate patches), Phlox gracilis (slender phlox), Erodium cicutarium (filaree), Chorispora tenella (musk mustard), Poa secunda var. secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), and some plants of Gilia sp. and Descurainia pinnata (tansy mustard). In early flower were Layia glandulosa (tidy tips), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Amsinckia tessellata (devils lettuce), Delphinium cf. andersonii (larkspur, mostly still in bud), Balsamorhiza hookeri (cutleaf balsamroot), Castilleja angustifolia (paintbrush), Cryptantha spp. (forget-me-not), Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf), Astragalus cf. malacus (shaggy milkvetch). Jim Morefield (NNHP) with Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin

13 April 2005, southwest Reno near Windy Hill, Washoe Co., 4900 ft.: my main point here is to mention not wildflowers, but an unusual occurrence with lichens this year. The heavy snowfall in late December and Early January, which lingered and has just recently disappeared from protected spots on the north face of rock outcrops, has resulted in considerable molding and death to lichens on the rocks in those locations. Up to about 15% necrosis (by area) was seen in the small andesitic outcrops. It seems to have affected crustose forms (mainly brown Acarospora spp. and gray Aspicilia spp.) more than foliose forms (mainly Rhizoplaca melanopthalma), perhaps because the foliose species might dry more quickly(?). I also noted molds attacking soil-crust forming mosses at the north end of Winnemucca Lake Basin in February, just after the snow had melted from them. There, only mosses seemed to be affected while lichens in the soil crusts were fine. Could unusual lingering of snow be a factor in succession of soil crusts from mosses to lichens??? What about the lichen communities on the rocks??? Oh, for you vascular plant folks... the Windy Hill site has Phlox stansburyi and Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides (daggerpod) blooming abundantly on the NE slope. A Castilleja (paintbrush) is close to blooming. The low ridgeline had Viola beckwithii and a yellow Lomatium. I didn’t get to the southerly aspect. Eric Peterson (NNHP)

11 April 2005, Mount Charleston Loop, Clark Co., ca. 2000-8600 ft.: the lower elevations along Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon Roads have good displays at present. The surroundings at the lower end of Kyle Canyon Road are, unfortunately, sort of junky. Lee Canyon Road is much better in this respect. Somewhat higher, the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) have already gone to seed. At this elevation, it is still early for the forbs and cactuses. The good flower displays are topping out at about 4500 ft. elevation, and are already thinning well below that point. Still higher, there is little to be seen in the pinyon pine-juniper woodlands. There is considerable snow above 7000 feet. Notable, from a distance, is a huge, bright mass of yellow flowers in the valley bottom south of the playa east of U.S. 95, north of the Lee Canyon intersection. Unfortunately, it's in the middle of the Indian Springs Gunnery Range, so we'll just have to speculate as to what it might be. Chris Valle-Riestra, Oakland CA

10 April 2005, foothills around Reno, Washoe Co., 4900- 5000 ft.: At the Keystone West motorized trailhead on Peavine Mountain, on a south-facing slope, Viola beckwithii was abundant, and two species of buckwheat (Eriogonum) and one of Phlox were in bloom. The flowers at Huffaker Hills (near Rattlesnake Mountain, not Huffaker Hills Park) are just off the hook. Along the eastern loop of the new trail being constructed at the Huffaker Hills trailhead near the large brown water tower on Alexander Lane (formerly the Mira Loma access road) were fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), Great Basin violet (Viola beckwithii), woolypod milkvetch (Astragalus purshii), yellow paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei), dagger pod (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides), and large-headed clover (Trifolium macrocephalum). Mark and Sheila Vanderhoff

10 April 2005, Red Rock Canyon, Clark Co., ca. 3000-4500 ft.: it appears to be early in the season yet at this elevation. Some species, such as desert mallow (Sphaeralcea) are not yet in full flower. However, selected south-facing, sunny exposures have abundant displays. There have been occasional showers in recent days. Chris Valle-Riestra, Oakland CA

9 April 2005, Fort Churchill State Park and vicinity, Lyon Co., 4200-4500 ft.: cool and occasionally rainy weather continued in this portion of Nevada. All the shrubs were very green with a dense cover of native annuals in between. Except for budsage (Artemisia spinescens = Picrothamnus desertorum) and a few early fiddlenecks (Amsinckia tessellata) and Cryptantha, though, everything was still leafing out or in bud. Leafy stems of rose four-o'clock (Mirabilis alipes) were just emerging from the ground. The cottonwoods along the Carson River were not yet beginning to leaf out. Jim Morefield (NNHP) with Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin

9 April 2005, Valley of Fire State Park and approach roads, Clark Co., ca. 2000-3000 ft.: very nice displays in many of the road-accessible areas. Greatest diversity noted right near the west entrance station, with at least 25 or 30 species in flower. The White Domes Trail, with an environment different from much of the park, is another highlight, with a number of additional species in bloom. Especially showy in many locations is desert mallow (Sphaeralcea). Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is just getting started, but already becoming abundant and very pretty in spots. Many of the beavertail have huge numbers of buds, so the bloom should be spectacular in coming weeks. Other cactuses haven't yet started. Soil remains damp, with showers through the day. Approached via the road from I-15 to the west, which also has diverse displays, though less showy. Returned to Las Vegas via Northshore Road through Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Much of this route has lovely and abundant flower displays, notably for some miles east from Redstone Picnic Area, where baby-blue desert larkspur (Delphinium parishii) and mariposa lily (Calochortus sp.) are thick on the ground, and a few poppies are also found. This is a huge expanse of pristine desert, with dramatic terrain, and in late afternoon light on a partly-cloudy, showery day, it is especially stunning. Chris Valle-Riestra, Oakland CA

6-8 April 2005, southern Mineral and Esmeralda cos., ca. 4500-6500 ft.:  a cold and breezy field trip generally found that we are still early in the season. Snow banks remain in sheltered north-facing locations at 6500’ or lower in the Palmetto Mountains near Lida. The trip was focused on perennial vegetation communities and thus over-looked most of the herbaceous flowers that were coming out. Arabis pulchra was seen in bloom near Lida, with a brilliant red Castilleja nearby. In the Joshua tree ‘forest’ on the east flank of Magruder Mountain, nearly every branch of every Yucca brevifolia in the stand had a fat inflorescence developing. The Menodora spinescens in the understory was also starting to bloom with vigor.  We were surprised to see the native annual grass Vulpia octoflora abundantly growing up through the down-slope side of the Menodora and other shrubs. Lycium andersonii (boxthorn) was also starting to bloom at lower elevations. Signs of heavy grazing were abundant, but I was pleasantly surprised that there was hardly any cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) in the entire area.  Unfortunately, it looks like the Salsola and Halogeton in disturbed areas is also off to a good start with the wet winter. Eric Peterson and Ed Skudlarek (NNHP)

6 April 2005, North Shore Road and Pinto Valley area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Clark Co., 1800-2500 ft.: flowering annuals and perennials were diverse, abundant, and exceptionally large. Among the species seen in flower or fruit (common names omitted) were Cheilanthes parryi, Ephedra torreyana, Ambrosia dumosa, Amphipappus fremontii, Atrichoseris platyphylla, Calycoseris wrightii, Chaenactis carphoclinia (just starting), C. fremontii, Encelia farinosa, E. virginensis, Enceliopsis argophylla, Eriophyllum lanosum, Geraea canescens, Hymenoclea salsola, Machaeranthera pinnatifida, Malacothrix glabrata, Perityle emoryi, Peucephyllum schottii (just starting), Pleurocoronis pluriseta (just starting), Porophyllum gracile, Rafinesquia neomexicana, Senecio mohavensis, Stylocline intertexta, S. micropoides, Thymophylla pentachaeta, Uropappus lindleyi, Xylorhiza tortifolia (on gypsum), Amsinckia sp., Cryptantha barbigera, C. nevadensis, C. pterocarya, C. utahensis, Pectocarya spp., Plagiobothrys jonesii, Caulanthus cooperi, Draba cuneifolia, Guillenia lasiophylla, Lepidium latifolium, L. lasiocarpum, Lesquerella tenella, Malcolmia africana, Stanleya pinnata, Opuntia basilaris, Sclerocactus johnsonii, Nemacladus glanduliferus, Atriplex hymenelytra, Grayia spinosa, Cuscuta sp., Astragalus preussii var. laxiflorus, Lotus strigosus (?), Erodium texanum, E. cicutarium, Eucrypta micrantha, Nama demissum, N. pusillum, Phacelia crenulata, P. distans, P. neglecta, P. pulchella var. gooddingii, P. rotundifolia, Mentzelia tricuspis, Sphaeralcea ambigua, Camissonia brevipes, C. multijuga, C. refracta, Arctomecon californica, Argemone munita, Eschscholzia glyptosperma, E. minutiflora, Plantago ovata, Aliciella latifolia, Gilia scopulorum, Ipomopsis polycladon, Langloisia setosissima, Linanthus bigelovii, L. demissus, Chorizanthe brevicornu, Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium, E. trichopes, Pterostegia drymarioides, Calandrinia ambigua, Delphinium parishii, Oligomeris linifolia, Neogaerrhinum filipes (=Antirrhinum filipes), Mohavea breviflora, Lycium andersonii, Nicotiana obtusifolia, Physalis sp., Phoradendron californicum, Larrea tridentata, Androstephium breviflorum, Calochortus flexuosus, Aristida purpurea, Bromus rubens, B. trinii, Erioneuron pulchellum, Muhlenbergia microsperma, Pleuraphis rigida, Poa bigelovii, Schismus spp., and Vulpia octoflora. Jim Morefield and the Nevada Rare Plant Workshop field trip, with special thanks to Dave Silverman for grass IDs, and Libby Powell for her excellent Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Lake Mead National Recreation Area (March 2005), the order of which the above list follows

2 April 2005, Hobart Reservoir Road above Lakeview Estates, Carson City, 5000-6000 ft.: male catkins of alder (Alnus sp.) were the only flowers seen. The north-facing slopes were still packed with 2+ feet of dense snow, and so was the road above the first crossing of McEwen Creek. Jim and Shaelin Morefield

25 March 2005, Valley of Fire State Park via U.S. Highway 93 (from Panaca) and State Routes 168 and 169, Lincoln and Clark cos., ca. 3000-2000 ft.: blooming plants seen included: Mojave aster (Xylorhiza tortifolia), desert chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana), fiddlenecks (Amsinckia tessellata), popcornflower (Plagiobothrys), forget-me-not (Cryptantha), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata), white woolly daisy (Eriophyllum), Fremont pincushion (Chaenactis fremontii), odora (Porophyllum gracile), Spanish needle (Palafoxia arida), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), a few indigobush (Psorothamnus fremontii) along Highway 168, peach-thorn (Lycium), rock nettle (Eucnide urens), prickly poppy (Argemone, mostly along Highway 168), a few white evening primrose (Oenothera caespitosa or O. californica?), suncups (Camissonia brevipes), scarlet gaura (Gaura coccinea), bottle-washer primrose (Camissonia spp.), Palmer bead-pod (Lesquerella tenella), desert alyssum (Lepidium flavum?), prince's plume (Stanleya, mostly along Highway 168), pygmy cedar (Peucephyllum schottii, few locations at Valley of Fire by Elephant Rock), a few beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris), desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata), wild rhubarb (Rumex?), desert mallow (Sphaeralcea?), straggling mariposa lily (Calochortus flexuosus), purple mat (Nama demissum), scorpion-weed (Phacelia crenulata?), Frémont phacelia (P. fremontii), dodder (Cuscuta californica or C. denticulata?) in great abundance, and Ephedra. The flower displays were widely spaced, and it seemed like maybe it was early in the season. (I had seen better displays at Valley of Fire during 1978-1984.) A few plants were getting ready to bloom, including creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), a shrubby buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum?), larkspur (Delphinium parishii?), and cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia). The black-chinned hummingbirds were active in some areas, particularly by The Cabins where the rains have filled a temporary "tank." Barbara Rohde, Park Interpreter, Regional Information Center at Cathedral Gorge State Park

25 March 2005, Death Valley National Park, Inyo Co., CA, -280-2500 ft.: most species were still early, with only a few in their prime. At the lowest elevations near Badwater, thick fields of Geraea canescens (desert sunflower) covered large areas of the alluvial fan bases, along with Atrichoseris platyphylla (gravel ghost), Camissonia brevipes (suncups), Phacelia calthifolia, Nama demissum (purple mat), all in full flower and with many left to open. Exceptionally robust plants of Aliciella latifolia (broadleaf gilia), Eremalche rotudifolia (desert fivespot), and Mentzelia reflexa (Death Valley blazingstar) were in bud and early flower. Larrea tridentata (Creosote bush) was also in flower, and on the sand dunes Cryptantha cf. angustifolia was in flower and fruit. Numerous additional species were flowering up to about 2500 ft in Death Valley and Panamint Valley, but above that, conditions were more like those of Owens Valley the preceding day (see below). James Morefield (Nevada Natural Heritage Program), with Cameron and Shaelin

24 March 2005, Owens Valley, Bishop to Lone Pine, Inyo Co., CA, 3800-4300 ft.: conditions were very early, but there were masses of Amsinckia tessellata (fiddleneck) and Descurainia (tansy mustard) flowering in the more disturbed areas, and large patches of Lepidium flavum (yellow peppercress) in less disturbed areas, along with areas of Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion), Phacelia fremontii (Frémont phacelia), Eriophyllum wallacei (Wallace woollyleaf), forget-me-nots (Cryptantha spp.) and combseeds (Pectocarya spp.). Additionally, in the Willow Springs Canyon area (Inyo Mountains, off Mazourka Canyon road east of Independence) on 26 March, Astragalus coccineus (scarlet loco) was in full flower, and Logfia depressa (dwarf cottonrose), L. filaginoides (California cottonrose), Stylocline psilocarphoides (Peck neststraw), and Rafinesquia neomexicana (desert chicory) were in bud and early flower, along with many others. James Morefield (Nevada Natural Heritage Program), with Cameron and Shaelin

5 March 2005, Painted Hills, southeast end of Virginia Mountains near Pyramid Lake, Washoe Co., 4500-6000 ft.: the southern and western aspects below 6000 ft were dry and full of early growth (1-5 inches tall). I saw 3 or 4 specimens of woollypod milkvetch (Astragalus purshii var. tinctus) in early flower, and 1 specimen of rust-infected rockcress (Arabis sp.) mimicking a bright yellow flower. Mark Vanderhoff, Outdoors Reporter, Reno Gazette-Journal, with photo interpretation by James Morefield (NNHP)

5 March 2005, Riverside to Gold Butte area, Clark Co., ca. 1500-2500 ft.: across from the Meadowland ostrich farm, flowering annuals included brown-eyed primrose (Camissonia claviformis ssp. claviformis), evening snow (Linanthus dichotomus), peppercress (Lepidium lasiocarpum), wedge-leaf draba (Draba cuneifolia), chuckwalla combseed (Pectocarya heterocarpa), broadfruit combseed (P. platycarpa), pincushion flower (Chaenactis fremontii), desert plantain (Plantago ovata), desert chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana), wingnut forget-me-not (Cryptantha pterocarya), redroot forget-me-not (C. micrantha), Nevada forget-me-not (C. nevadensis), birdcage evening primrose (Oenothera deltoides), white woolly daisy (Eriophyllum lanosum), bladderpod (Lesquerella tenella), Arizona lupine (Lupinus arizonicus), Schott's calico (Loeseliastrum schottii), and Vulpia octoflora, and the non-natives red-stem stork's bill (Erodium cicutarium), Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii), red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), and Mediterranean grass (Schismus barbatus). Keen observation also revealed several pink funnel lilies (Androstephium breviflorum) in flower.

In flower just north of Juanita Springs were Frémont phacelia (Phacelia fremontii), notch-leaf phacelia (P. crenulata), desert sand verbena (Abronia villosa), bearded cryptantha (Cryptantha barbigera), desert golden poppy (Eschscholzia glyptosperma), chia (Salvia columbariae), Texas stork's bill (Erodium texanum), woolly plantain (Plantago patagonica), yellow cups (Camissonia brevipes), yellow desert evening primrose (Oenothera primiveris), desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata), white-stemmed blazing star (Mentzelia albicaulis), Gilia scopulorum, Eucrypta micrantha, desert snow (Linanthus demissus), purple mat (Nama demissum), gravel ghost (Atrichoseris platyphylla), golden desert snap-dragon (Mohavea breviflora), California mustard (Guillenia lasiophylla), Spanish needles (Palafoxia arida), and brittle spineflower (Chorizanthe brevicornu) as well as the roadside weed Malcolmia africana. Further down the road were also trailing windmills (Allionia incarnata), turkey peas (Astragalus nuttallianus var. imperfectus), white bract stickleaf (Mentzelia involucrata), Utah forget-me-not (Cryptantha utahensis), and Thomas buckwheat (Eriogonum thomasii). Closer to Whitney Pockets were the shrubs greyball sage (Salvia dorrii) and turpentine broom (Thamnosma montana). Up at Whitney Pass, among the lush green herbs covering every interspace among pinyon pine and live scrub oak, Palmer penstemon (Penstemon palmeri) were still in rosette stage, and slender phlox (Phlox gracilis) and streambank spring beauty (Claytonia parviflora) were in flower. Lesley DeFalco and NNPS field trip, extracted from NNPS Newsletter (Apr. 2005) by James Morefield

23 February 2005 (approx.), Death Valley, Inyo Co., CA, ca. 0-1500 ft.: the south end [of Death Valley] was in full flower, mostly Geraea canescens (desert sunflower). It was spectacular. The middle area (Furnace Creek north) was still 2 weeks from peaking, but it should be equally beautiful. Langford Mills area: Geraea canescens, Abronia villosa, Eremalche rotundifolia, Camissonia boothii, Phacelia crenulata, Eschscholzia minutiflora, Cryptantha circumscissa. At slightly higher elevations (Daybreak Pass, Jubilee Pass -- these are not are at their peak yet): Camissonia brevipes, Encelia virginensis, Baileya multiradiata, Amsinckia tessellata, Cryptantha utahensis, Mohavea brevifolia, Pectocarya spp. Salvia columbariae, Rafinisquia neomexicana. Kent Ostler, Bechtel Nevada

22 February 2005, Baker area, San Bernardino Co., CA, ca. 1000 ft.: The playa just north of Baker, CA [Silver Dry Lake] is flooded. The surrounding land is covered with sand verbena (Abronia sp.) and Gerea (Geraea canescens). Ed Kleiner Jr., Reno NV

15 February 2005, Nelsons Landing lower Colorado River, Clark Co., 650-800 ft.: Suncups (Camissonia brevipes) were starting to fade but still abundant, Phacelia (cf. crenulata) mass bloom was still increasing, and Lupinus (cf. arizonica) was rivaling the Phacelia. Cryptantha (cf. utahensis) and Gilia (cf. cana) were also becoming conspicuous in a small patch. David Batchelor, Community College of Southern Nevada, with photo interpretation by James Morefield (NNHP)

10-13 February 2005, Nelsons Landing, lower Colorado River, Clark Co., 650-800 ft.: yellow Suncups (Camissonia cf. brevipes) and purple Phacelia (cf. crenulata) in mass bloom, Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), desert chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana), and many others in good flower. Along NV highway 165, the bloom extends from the river (645 ft) up to about 1600 ft elevation. David Batchelor, Community College of Southern Nevada, with photo interpretation by James Morefield (NNHP)

9 February 2005 (approx.), Hoover Dam area, Clark Co., ca. 700-1200 ft.: It was pretty spectacular. The dominant species were: Camissonia brevipes, Phacelia crenulata, Lupinus arizonicus, Encelia virginensis, Eschscholzia minutiflora. Kent Ostler, Bechtel Nevada

31 January 2005, preliminary anecdotes from around the region: this promises to be one of the best blooming years in decades, based on precipitation reports and preliminary observations from around the region. Snow cover along U.S. highway 50 between Ely and Carson City, Nevada, and surrounding areas has been solid for the entire month of January, with depth measured in feet in areas near the Sierra Nevada. About 4 feet of packed snow remained in Hope Valley (Alpine Co., CA) yesterday. Local flooding has been occurring throughout the Mojave Desert, and the sands near U.S. highway 395 from Ridgecrest south in California were already abundant with green seedlings in mid-December. Major blooms are already reported to be in progress in the Laughlin-Needles area, near the lower Colorado River, and in the bottom of Death Valley. James Morefield (NNHP) with thanks to Arnold Tiehm, Jim Andre, Wes Niles, and others

31 July 2004, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Nye Co., 2100-2300 ft: Thelypodium integrifolium ssp. affine was in flower and 4-5 feet tall at Crystal Springs. Also in full flower in the area were Ash Meadows gumplant (Grindelia fraxinopratensis) and spring-loving centaury (Centaurium namophilum). Ash Meadows ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes infernalis) and Arizona grape (Vitis arizonica) was in fruit, and yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica) was senescent. Between Refuge headquarters and Devil's Hole, Mojave stinkweed (Cleomella obtusifolia), turtleback (Psathyrotes ramosissima), Wyoming paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia), Ash Meadows mousetails (Ivesia eremica), and spring-loving centaury (Centaurium namophilum) were in flower, Ash Meadows blazingstar (Mentzelia leucophylla) was in flower and fruit, and spiny caper (Oxystylis lutea), blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium sp.), and Merriam bearpoppy (Arctomecon merriamii) were well past flower. Sue Wainscott and NNPS field trip, extracted from NNPS Newsletter (Nov. 2004) by James Morefield

9-11 June 2004, Elko Co.: heavy snow cover remains on the higher mountains (Ruby, East Humboldt, and Independence) above about 9000 ft, and promises a green and flowery summer up high. Grimy mousetails (Ivesia rhypara var. rhypara) was in full flower on June 9th at the I L Ranch site in the northwest part of the county at about 5400 ft, along with Leptodactylon pungens (prickly phlox), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Chaenactis douglasii var. douglasii (dusty maidens), Cryptantha interrupta (Elko cryptantha), Leucocrinum montanum (star lily), Ipomopsis congesta, Mentzelia albicaulis, M. dispersa, Oenothera cespitosa (evening primrose), Gilia sp., Scutellaria nana (low skullcap), Calochortus bruneaunis (mariposa lily), etc. Goose Creek milkvetch (Astragalus anserinus) was in full flower and fruit in the Goose Creek area at about 5200 ft in the extreme northeast part of the county, along with many of the above species plus Camissonia scapoidea, C. parvula, Calyptridium rosea, Lygodesmia grandiflora var. dianthopsis (rush pink), Alliciella hutchinsifolia, Senecio multilobatus (Great Basin groundsel), Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ovalifolium, Hesperostipa comata (needle-and-thread), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), etc. James Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

31 May 2004, Joe May Canyon, Clark Co., 3500-5500 ft: there was plenty of trumpet flower (Eriogonum inflatum) and desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata). Also, we found purple mat (Nama demissum), Nevada indigobush (Psorothamnus polydenius), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus intricatus), bladder sage (Salazaria mexicana), Parry linanthus (blue, Linanthus parryae) and Merriam bearpoppy (white, Arctomecon merriamii). Mike R. Freese, IRS Taxpayer Advocate Section, Las Vegas

19 May 2004, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Lincoln Co., and surrounding southeastern Nevada, ca 5000 ft: what looked at first to be an average year has turned out to be a "banner year" for wildflowers in eastern Nevada. During the last week, Lincoln County in eastern Nevada has just "exploded" with blooms. Anyone who comes over with some time to spend will be richly rewarded for their efforts! This week, the mallows (Sphaeralcea) have been in great abundance in several areas along U.S. Highway 93, most notably covering the area that burned in 2002 just southeast of Pioche. The Ranger at Kershaw-Ryan State Park reported that along the dirt road to Beaver Dam State Park, there are fields of mallow (Sphaeralcea), then fields of evening primrose (Oenothera), then fields of lupine (Lupinus). The evening primroses have been in great abundance in many different areas, along with sand verbena (Abronia), Great Basin groundsel (Senecio multilobatus), and golden forget-me-not (Cryptantha confertiflora). Thistles (Cirsium spp. - white flowered), prickly poppy (Argemone), four o'clocks (Mirabilis), sunray (Enceliopsis), and balsamroot (Balsamorhiza) have also been blooming variously. Last Friday (May 14), between Panaca and Rachel, the indigobush (Psorothamnus fremontii) thickly covered some of the limestone/gravel slopes between the Hiko turnoff and Hancock Summit. Barbara Rohde, Nevada State Parks

15 May 2004, Churchill Narrows area, 4300-4500 ft, Lyon Co.: plenty of species in bloom, including prince's plume (Stanleya pinnata), apricot mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), smooth horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata), Frémont peppercress (Lepidium fremontii), Lemmon buckwheat (Eriogonum lemmonii), Phacelia crenulata, P. gymnoclada, chia (Salvia columbariae), desert pincushion (Chaenactis stevioides), showy dustymaidens (Chaenactis macrantha), woolly star (Eriastrum wilcoxii), Camissonia claviformis, desert four-o'clock (Mirabilis laevis var. villosa), purple mat (Nama aretioides), Watson spineflower (Chorizanthe watsonii), desert saucers (Oxytheca perfoliata), Great Basin popcornflower (Plagiobothrys kingii), desert snapdragon (Antirrhinum kingii), desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata), etc. Bailey greasewood (Sarcobatus baileyi) was in fruit, while big greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) was just putting out its male flowers. Also in fruit were desert peach (Prunus andersonii) and stickleaf (Mentzelia albicaulis and M. montana). In a big population of the rare Federal candidate species Eriogonum diatomaceum (Churchill Narrows buckwheat), one plant was found in flower and one in bud, with all others dormant or just starting to put out new leafy stems. Jim Morefield, Gary Monroe, Paul Mungan, and NNPS field trip participants

28 April 2004, McClelland Peak near common corner with Carson City, Storey Co., and Lyon Co., ca 6900-7200 ft, Washoe Co.: Lomatium dissectum, L. austiniae, and L. nevadensis were seen in flower. Hesperochiron californicus was in extensive and abundant flower. Also in flower were Astragalus purshii var. tinctus, Allium parvum, Antennaria dimorpha, Purshia tridentata and the ubiquitous Collinsia parviflora and Microsteris gracilis. On the road up, Prunus andersonii was prevalent in several shades. Arnold Tiehm, NNPS

24 April 2004, Reds Grade, Lakeview area in NE part of Carson City: young miner’s lettuce (Montia perfoliata sensu lato) has first flowers at about 5375 ft, and western peony (Paeonia brownii) is out near junction with Hobart Road at 5240 ft. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

18 April 2004, US highway 95 from Las Vegas northwest through Beatty and Scottys Junction to Stonewall Pass, 2500-4500 ft, Clark and southern Nye cos.: the vegetation was in excellent shape along this entire corridor, with abundant annuals northward from Amargosa Valley, and substantial new rain and snow north of Beatty the previous day. South of Amargosa Valley, Opuntia basilaris (beavertail cactus) was in full flower, Yucca schidigera (Spanish bayonet) was just breaking bud, and Y. brevifolia (joshua tree) was not (yet?) showing signs of producing flowers. North of Beatty, flowering conditions became much earlier, and north of Stonewall Pass conditions also became much drier, and remained so along highway 95 until turning off into the corridor from Yerington to Wellington and Minden (Lyon and Douglas counties). Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

17 April 2004, east side of Fairview Peak at the 1954 earthquake fault scarp, 6650 ft, Churchill Co.: a dense post-fire Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) mat had replaced the juniper woodland present previously, but within it, and at the edges of the raw scarp, we saw Astragalus (milkvetch) species, Phlox hoodii, Phlox stansburyi, and Lupinus arbustus in bloom. Fred Peterson with NNPS field trip participants

17 April 2004, Fairview Valley near U.S. Highway 50, 4200 ft, Churchill Co.: Oenothera deltoides (birdcage evening primrose) formed a showy, whitened stripe under a powerline. Cryptantha circumscissa was also in flower. Fred Peterson with NNPS field trip participants

17 April 2004, Sand Mountain, 4000 ft, Churchill Co.: in bloom were Cryptantha circumscissa, Rumex venosus (sand dock), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Cleome lutea (yellow beeplant), and numerous Cymopterus (biscuitroot) species. Leaving the dunes, we saw an impressive, photogenic Oenothera deltoides (birdcage evening primrose). Fred Peterson with NNPS field trip participants

17 April 2004, Stillwater Range, dune extension NE of Sand Mountain, ca. 4600 ft, Churchill Co.: in flower were Penstemon acuminatus, desert larkspur (Delphinium andersonii), winged dock (Rumex venosus), birdcage evening primrose (Oenothera deltoides piperi), Phacelia bicolor bicolor, and rusty lupine (Lupinus pusillus intermontanus). Just beginning to flower were freckled milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus kennedyi), Eriogonum pusillum just breaking bud, Tripterocalyx crux-maltae, redroot catseye (Cryptantha micrantha), and prickly phlox (Leptodactylon pungens). In flower and fruit were Camissonia parvula, Descurainia sophia, Great Basin popcornflower (Plagiobothrys kingii harknessii), two Gilias (Gilia sinuata and G. cf. leptomeria), and Streptanthella longirostris. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

17 April 2004, Piute Wash about 15 miles south of Searchlight along US highway 95, 2500 ft, Clark Co.: the desert was very green, with Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) and Ambrosia dumosa (burrobush) in full and abundant bloom, along with Eriogonum pusillum, Rafinesquia neomexicana (desert chicory), Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion), etc. Chaenactis fremontii (desert pincushion) and Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus (rayless goldenhead) were just starting to flower, and Lycium pallidum oligospermum and L. andersonii (boxthorn) were already past flower. In the wash, Ambrosia eriocentra (woolly bursage) was in full flower, and Phoradendron californicum (desert mistletoe) was in fruit on mostly dormant Acacia greggii (catclaw). Out among the creosote bush, a dense carpet of the invasive exotic Schismus (Arabian grass) was green but beginning to brown, and few other annuals were visible. Jim, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield, with NNPS field trip participants

15 April 2004, Rhyolite, Beatty, south on US highway 95 to Amargosa Valley, 2500-3500 ft, Nye Co.: the annuals were about at their prime, with dense displays of Chaenactis stevioides (desert pincushion) and many others starting south of Beatty. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

15 April 2004, Death Valley from Stovepipe Wells to Daylight Pass, -100-4300 ft, Inyo Co., CA: still in flower on the valley bottom were Geraea canescens (desert sunflower) and Atrichoseris platyphylla (gravel ghost), with both in more abundant flower up the slopes. Eremalche rotundifolia was spotted a short way up the Daylight Pass road, and indigobush (Psorothamnus fremontii) was in full bloom around 2000-3000 feet. Both slopes of the Valley appeared to be in excellent shape, with nice blooms progressing upward. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

11 April 2004, Amargosa Desert, road to Titus Canyon, between NV highway 374 and Death Valley National Park border, 3450-3600 ft, Nye Co.: in flower were Phacelia vallis-mortae (Death Valley phacelia), Syntrichopappus fremontii, Lupinus concinnus orcuttii (bajada lupine), Astragalus acutirostris, Eriophyllum pringlei, Monoptilon bellidiforme (desert star), Delphinium parishii parishii (desert larkspur), Camissonia brevipes pallidula, Camissonia boothii condensata, Stylocline intertexta, and in fruit were Lycium pallidum oligospermum, Thysanocarpus curvipes (lacepod), Lupinus concinnus orcuttii (bajada lupine), Camissonia brevipes pallidula, and Camissonia boothii condensata. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

10 April 2004, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, ca. 3000-4000 ft, Clark Co.: in flower were desert snapdragon (Neogaerrhinum filipes), desert larkspur (Delphinium parishii), desert star (Monoptilon bellidiforme), bottlebrush primrose (Camissonia boothii ssp. alyssoides), spanish bayonet (Yucca schidigera), etc. Jackee Picciani (NNPS field trip) with some photo interpretation by James Morefield (NNHP)

8 April 2004, Amargosa River drainage, US highway 95, 7.5 road miles south of Beatty, 3000 ft, Nye Co.: in flower were Ambrosia dumosa (burrobush), Rafinesquia neomexicana (desert chicory), Chorizanthe spinosa (Mojave spineflower) and C. brevicornu (brittle spineflower), Chaenactis fremontii (desert pincushion), Gilia cf. cana, Malacothrix californica (desert dandelion), Calycoseris wrightii (white tackstem), and in bud were Opuntia basilaris (beavertail cactus) and some Larrea tridentata (creosote bush). Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

7 April 2004, NV highway 266, 5300-5500 ft, Esmeralda County: perennials in flower included Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Artemisia spinescens (budsage), and Astragalus layneae. Not many signs of annuals; in flower were a few Phacelia fremontii, Mentzelia, Cryptanthas, Chaenactis fremontii (desert pincushion), Plantago cf. ovata, and in fruit were Pectocarya platycarpa and Lepidium cf. lasiocarpum. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

7 April 2004, 4700 ft, Carson City: antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is just now breaking bud. James Morefield (Nevada Natural Heritage Program)

3 April 2004, White Mountains, southwest base of Black Mountain just north of Westgard Pass road (CA highway 168), 4320-4500 ft, Inyo County, CA: annuals abundant among abundant remains of last year's Mentzelia albicaulis, but most about 3-4 weeks before their prime. Additional light rains were moving through the area. Spiny menodora (Menodora spinescens) was in full and abundant flower, with most other shrubs only vegetative or in bud. Male flowers of winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata) were just breaking bud. Also in flower were Pectocarya heterocarpa, P. setosa, P. recurvata, Stylocline psilocarphoides, Lepidium flavum, L. lasiocarpum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Cryptantha nevadensis, C. recurvata, C. pterocarya, C. circumscissa, Gilia cana ssp. triceps, Phacelia fremontii, Chaenactis stevioides, C. macrantha, Calycoseris parryi, Malacothrix glabrata, Delphinium parishii, etc. James Morefield (Nevada Natural Heritage Program)

3 April 2004, Alabama Hills, north edge of Horseshoe Meadows area, 4700 ft, Inyo County, CA: Annuals dense but still 2-3 weeks before their prime. Additional light rains were moving through the area. In flower were Senecio flaccidus var. monoensis, Pectocarya spp., Cryptantha circumscissa, C. pterocarya, C. barbigera, C. decipiens, C. nevadensis, C. utahensis, Eriophyllum pringlei, Uropappus lindleyi, Sphaeralcea ambigua, Lycium andersonii, Chaenactis stevioides, etc. In bud was Chaenactis fremontii and many others, and Lomatium mohavense was in leaf only. Most shrubs were still in leaf and bud. James Morefield (Nevada Natural Heritage Program)

31 March 2004, 4700 ft, Carson City: desert peach (Prunus andersonii) is just now breaking bud. James Morefield (Nevada Natural Heritage Program)

28 March 2004, Hobart Reservoir road above Lakeview on east slope of Carson Range, 5400-6400 ft, Carson City: plenty of snowmelt running down the drainages, lots of snow cover still above 6000 ft on the north to east facing slopes, plenty of seedlings seen in the yellow-pine / manzanita / tobacco-brush vegetation, only catkins of alder (Alnus) and willow (Salix) emerging so far. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

12 March 2004, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: first flowers of Nevada parsley (Lomatium nevadense) seen, most still in leaf; abundant germination of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and other annuals, none bolting yet after 1 week of warm weather. Jim Morefield, Eric Peterson, Ed Skudlarek, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

8 March 2004, Virginia Range due north of Carson City, 5600-5900 ft, Carson City: Snow cover melted within the past week, temperatures exceeded 60°F (16°C) for first time this season. Abundant cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) seedlings, leaves but no flowers of Nevada parsley (Lomatium nevadense) and daggerpod (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides), some seedlings of microsteris (Microsteris gracilis), burr buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus), and others, leaf rosettes of dusty maidens (Chaenactis douglasii var. douglasii). A few perennial bunch grasses starting to leaf out, no flowers of any species open yet, everything else still dormant. James Morefield and Eric Peterson (Nevada Natural Heritage Program)

7 March 2004, Churchill Narrows area, 4200-4400 ft, Lyon Co.: plenty of standing rain and melt water in this area and along the round trip through Minden, Carson City, Silver Springs, Yerington, Wellington, and back. No flowers and few seedlings (mainly of cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum) visible yet, but many likely to come soon. Budsage (Picrothamnus desertorum) starting to green up, most other perennials still dormant. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

25 February 2004, Reno area, ca 4400 ft, Washoe Co.: filaree (Erodium cicutarium) is starting to flower in the downtown Reno area. Arnold Tiehm, Nevada Native Plant Society

29 August 2003, western Nevada deserts, ca 4000-5000 ft: the rains last month and early this month have triggered Pectis papposa (chinchweed) to flower profusely. It is on the north side of I-80 on both sides of the Clark Exit and I saw it several times between Weeks and Wabuska and on the east side of the Buckskin Range. Arnold Tiehm, Nevada Native Plant Society

23 July 2003, survey of potential Tiehm rockcress (Arabis tiehmii) habitat near trail between Rose Knob Peak and Tahoe Meadows, Carson Range, 8500-8700 ft, Washoe County: excellent floral displays, including Leichtlin mariposa lily (Calochortus leichtlinii), rein orchid (Platanthera leucostachys), Gray lovage (Ligusticum grayi), spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium), soft arnica (Arnica mollis), Brewer golden aster (Aster breweri), Sharsmith pincushion (Chaenactis alpigena), whitestem goldenbush (Ericameria discoidea), wandering daisy (Erigeron peregrinus), alpine gold (Hulsea algida), nodding microseris (Microseris nutans), silver raillardella (Raillardella argentea), Frémont groundsel (Senecio fremontii), arrowleaf groundsel (Senecio triangularis), Sierra tonestus (Tonestus eximius), wooly mule ears (Wyethia mollis), Lemmon rockcress (Arabis lemmonii depauperata), broadseed rockcress (Arabis platysperma), Galena Creek rockcress (Arabis rigidissima demota), Tahoe draba (Draba asterophora asterophora), Nuttall sandwort (Arenaria nuttallii gracilis), Sargent catchfly (Silene sargentii), crest lupine (Lupinus arbustus), Brewer lupine (Lupinus breweri), ballhead phacelia (Phacelia hydrophylloides), mountain pennyroyal (Monardella odoratissima pallida), rock fringe (Epilobium obcordatum), woody-fruit evening primrose (Oenothera xylocarpa), staining collomia (Collomia tinctoria), scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata), Lobb buckwheat (Eriogonum lobbii), spurrey buckwheat (Eriogonum spergulinum reddingianum), mountain sorrel (Oxyria digyna), Shasta knotweed (Polygonum shastense), Sierra shooting star (Dodecatheon jeffreyi), pussypaws (Calyptridium umbellatum), Drummond windflower (Anemone drummondii drummondii), alpine buttercup (Ranunculus eschscholtzii oxynotus), kelloggia (Kelloggia galioides), alpine paintbrush (Castilleja nana), Lewis monkeyflower (Mimulus lewisii), slender beardtongue (Penstemon gracilentus), mountain pride (Penstemon newberryi newberryi), mountain violet (Viola purpurea integrifolia), etc. No Tiehm rockcress was located. James Morefield (NNHP), Arnold Tiehm (NNPS), Jan Nachlinger (TNC), Steve Matson (CNPS)

18 July 2003, hike to top of East Sister from north base, Sweetwater Mountains, 7500 to 10400 ft, Lyon County: continued very colorful displays (see entry for 15 June), especially in the mountain sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata vaseyana) zone from about 8500-9500 ft. Still in flower in the pinyon-juniper zone (and higher) were silver lupine (Lupinus argenteus), Nevada sulfurflower (Eriogonum umbellatum nevadense), mountain mint (Monardella odoratissima), Wyoming paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia), curlleaf rabbitbrush (Ericameria viscidiflora), tall buckwheat (Eriogonum elatum), pinyon buckwheat (Eriogonum microthecum laxiflorum), cream bush (Holodiscus dumosus), spike fescue (Leucopoa kingii), basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), etc. The mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius intermontanus) zone above added horsemint (Agastache urticifolia), hoary aster (Machaeranthera canescens), pussytoes (Antennaria rosea), mule ears (Wyethia amplexicaulis), summer snow (Linanthus nuttallii), showy penstemon (Penstemon speciosus), sticky cranesbill (Geranium viscosissimum), western eupatorium (Ageratina occidentalis), Parry rabbitbrush (Ericameria parryi), skeletonweed (Stephanomeria spinosa), etc. In the mountain sagebrush/low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) zone were added junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), mountain catchfly (Silene bernardina), sideoats melic (Melica stricta), narrowleaf butterweed (Senecio spartioides), Hymenoxys cooperi canescens, Clokey fleabane (Erigeron clokeyi), etc., with much krummholz mountain mahogany near the ridges. In the subalpine conifer forest on the high slopes of East Sister were limber pine (Pinus flexilis), whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), yellow alumroot (Heuchera parvifolia), Great Basin spikemoss (Selaginella watsonii), broadseed rockcress (Arabis platysperma), Davidson beardtongue (Penstemon davidsonii var. davidsonii), gray wavewing (Cymopterus cinerarius), ovalleaf buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium nivale), whitestem goldenbush (Ericameria discoidea), alpine gold (Hulsea algida), Brewer cliffbrake (Pellaea breweri), etc. On and near a large rock outcrop were rock tansy (Sphaeromeria cana), purple reedgrass (Calamagrostis purpurascens), fragile fern (Cystopteris fragilis), talus fern (Woodsia scopulina), pink alumroot (Heuchera rubescens), cutleaf fleabane (Erigeron compositus), etc. In a wet meadow at about 8500 ft were alpine cinquefoil (Sibbaldia procumbens), Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis), silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), primrose monkeyflower (Mimulus primuloides), golden sneezeweed (Dugaldia hoopesii), alpine timothy (Phleum alpinum), western Iris (Iris missouriensis), sticky cinquefoil (Potentilla glandulosa), mat muhly (Muhlenbergia richardsonis), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), etc. Jackee Picciani (Harding ESE/Mactec), James Morefield, Eric Peterson, Ed Skudlarek (Nevada Natural Heritage Program)

12 July 2003, Hinkey Summit toward Granite Peak, Santa Rosa Range, ca 7800-8500 ft, Humboldt County: flowering on the mountain sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata var. vaseyana) slopes were sulfur flower (Eriogonum umbellatum), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa), elderberry (Sambucus sp.) and snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.), corn lily (Veratrum californicum), ball-headed gilia (Ipomopsis congesta), stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum or S. debile), spurred lupine (Lupinus arbustus) Paul Mungan and field trip participants (Nevada Native Plant Society)

11 July 2003, Lye Creek Campground area, Santa Rosa Range, ca 7400 ft, Humboldt County: Slopes covered by mature aspen (Populus tremuloides), in flower were Monardella odoratissima (mountain pennyroyal), Agastache urticifolia (horse mint), Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed), and Geranium viscosissimum (wild geranium), Delphinium sp. (larkspur), Collomia grandiflora (large-flowered collomia), Helianthella uniflora (common little sunflower). Paul Mungan and field trip participants (Nevada Native Plant Society)

22 June 2003, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, ca 2300 ft, Nye County: Thelypodium integrifolium ssp. affine, the tallest member of the Brassicaceae in North America, was already 5 feet or more tall, and still bolting. Also along the Crystal Springs boardwalk were white-flowering Ash Meadows lady tresses (Spiranthes infernalis), several Tecopa birds-beak plants (Cordylanthus tecopensis) not yet in flower, wild licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) leafing out, and Mojave thistle (Cirsium mohavense). Near School Spring we saw more Spiranthes infernalis, cambess (Ivesia eremica), Wyoming paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia), saw-grass (Cladium californicum) with it’s huge inflorescences towering above us, and black sedge (Schoenus nigricans) with it’s dark seed heads contrasting against straw colored stems. Further down the road, an infestation of Malta star thistle (Centaurea melitensis) had already shed its seeds. On the flats below Crystal Reservoir outflow was Amargosa niterwort (Nitrophila mohavensis) in flower. Along the brooks at Point of Rocks Springs we saw spring-loving centaury (Centaurium namophilum), bushy bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus var. scabriglumis), and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium radicatum), and in the uplands to the north were desert holly (Atriplex hymenelytra), spiny caper (Oxystylis lutea), turtleback (Psathyrotes ramosissima), and Arizona honey-sweet (Tidestromia oblongifolia). Sue Wainscott, Gina Glenne, and field trip participants (Nevada Native Plant Society)

15 June 2003, East Sister area, trail from Risue Canyon road to Little Smith Valley, Sweetwater Mountains, ca 7400 to 8800 ft, Lyon County: spectacular flower display in the canyon leading up from the north base of East Sister to Little Smith Valley. In flower in the pinyon-juniper zone were mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius intermontanus), mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus), Nevada sulfurflower (Eriogonum umbellatum nevadense), green ephedra (Ephedra viridis), silver lupine (Lupinus argenteus), currant (Ribes velutinum), mountain mint (Monardella odoratissima), desert paintbrush (Castilleja angustifolia), phlox (Phlox sp.), prickly phlox (Leptodactylon pungens), daggerpod (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides), arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), needle-and-thread (Hesperostipa comata), etc. in higher snowbank areas were western Iris (Iris missouriensis), sticky cinquefoil (Potentilla glandulosa), mat muhly (Muhlenbergia richardsonis), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), etc. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

26 May 2003, El Dorado Mountains (Nelson's Landing, Granite Domes, and other places without names, ca 2500 ft, Clark County: only peppergrass (Lepidium flavum), catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii), buckwheat (Eriogonum spp., white and yellow) and desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) blooming. Indian tobacco (Nicotiana obtusifolia), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), beavertail (Opuntia basilaris) and hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii) bloomed out. At 4000 ft: peppergrass (Lepidium flavum), buckwheat (Eriogonum spp., white and yellow), creosote (Larrea tridentata), hopsage (Grayia spinosa), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) and princes plume (Stanleya pinnata) in bloom, among others. Mike R. Freese, IRS Taxpayer Advocate Section, Las Vegas

22 May 2003, Black Rock Lava Flow, ca 5800 ft, Nye County: nice display of Gilia heterostyla (Cochrane gilia, syn.= Aliciella heterostyla) at parking area. Other patches of pink were noted along US 6 between Warm Springs and Black Rock, but not investigated. Photos posted to CalPhotos. Larry Blakely, Bishop CA

21 May 2003, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: conditions here have been dry and progressively warming since the report of 12 May (below), with temperatures today approaching 90°F. Most of the annual species are maturing and desiccating rapidly. Plagiobothrys tenellus (Pacific popcornflower), Mimulus ovatus (Steamboat monkeyflower), and Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf) were starting to mature fruits; Delphinium andersonii (Anderson larkspur), Agoseris glauca (mountain dandelion), Layia glandulosa (tidytips), Nama aretioides (purple mat), Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ovalifolium (ovalleaf buckwheat), E. umbellatum var. nevadense (Nevada sulfur-flower), and E. cespitosum (matted buckwheat) were still in full flower; Eriastrum wilcoxii (woolly star) was starting to flower; Tetradymia glabrata (smooth horsebrush) was in full bud. Jim Morefield, Jennifer Newmark, Ed Skudlarek, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

18 May 2003, hills just north of Fort Churchill State Park, ca 4400 ft, Lyon County: sparse to moderate cover of flowering annuals, including Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf), Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion), Chaenactis stevioides (desert pincushion), C. macrantha (showy dustymaidens), C. carphoclinia var. carphoclinia (pebble pincushion, still in bud), Eschscholzia minutiflora (little gold poppy), Salvia columbariae (chia), Glyptopleura marginata (carveseed or peanut butter plant), Phacelia crenulata, Cryptantha nevadensis (Nevada forget-me-not), Camissonia boothii (bottlebrush primrose). Among the perennials, Bailey greasewood (Sarcobatus baileyi) was in flower and starting to mature fruit, budsage (Picrothamnus desertorum) was past flower, smooth horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata) was in bud, desert needlegrass (Achnatherum speciosum) was in anthesis, and rose four-o'clock (Mirabilis alipes) was in leaf and early flower. Along the Carson River, the cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) were nearly fully leafed out. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

18 May 2003, Mason Valley south of Yerington, ca 4400 ft, Lyon County: abundant show of desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata) and other annuals in places, even in open desert away from the road sides. Along the Walker River, the cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) were about 1/3 to 1/2 way through leaf emergence. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

12 May 2003, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: a dry and relatively warm late winter, followed by a wet and extremely cold April and early May, have resulted in unusual phenologies for many of the species in this area. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) germinated and bolted early, but was then stunted by the cold wet conditions, resulting now in a mostly fully reddened and fruiting crop 3-6 inches high. The annuals are abundant, and those not finished will likely put on significant new growth over the next few weeks. Today was the first day over 70°F this spring. Species were noted in the following conditions: Full fruit: Ranunculus testiculatus (burr buttercup). Early fruit: Ephedra viridis (green ephedra). Flower and fruit: Pectocarya setosa (moth combseed), P. penicillata (northern combseed, most abundant), Gilia sp., Lepidium perfoliatum (clasping pepperweed), Erodium cicutarium (filaree), Poa secunda var. secunda (Sandberg bluegrass). Late flower: Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush), Vulpia sp. (six week grass), Plectritis macrocera (white cornsalad), Lomatium nevadense (Nevada parsley, where sheltered or on north exposures). Full flower: Prunus andersonii (desert peach), Amsinckia tessellata (devils lettuce), Rigiopappus leptocladus (wirestem), Descurainia pinnata (tansy mustard), Delphinium andersonii (Anderson larkspur), Arabis pulchra (desert rockcress), Arabis sp. (rockcress), Agoseris glauca (mountain dandelion), Eriogonum cespitosum (matted buckwheat), Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker balsamroot), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush). Early flower: Cryptantha circumscissa (sand cryptantha), Plagiobothrys tenellus (Pacific popcornflower), Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf), Camissonia contorta (dwarf suncup), Mimulus ovatus (Steamboat monkeyflower), M. mephiticus (monkeyflower, 1 inch high), Layia glandulosa (tidytips), Nama aretioides (purple mat), Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ovalifolium (ovalleaf buckwheat). Bud and anthesis: Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense (Nevada sulfur-flower), Camissonia palmeri (fourwing suncup), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail grass), Zigadenus paniculatus (death camas), Eriastrum wilcoxii (woolly star), Astragalus andersonii (Anderson milkvetch), Hesperostipa comata (needle-and-thread grass), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass). Early bud: Tetradymia glabrata (smooth horsebrush). Full leaf: Paeonia brownii (western peony, buds may have been eaten), Erigeron aphanactis (gold buttons), Eriogonum elatum var. villosum (tall buckwheat, bolting), Allium sp. (onion), Calochortus bruneaunis (sego lily, very few). Jim Morefield, Eric Peterson, Adriane Peterson, Juniper Peterson, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

11 May 2003, Spooner Lake loop trail, 7000 ft, Douglas Co.: still heavy patches of snow on north exposures. Where melted off, leaves of western peony (Paeonia brownii) and Nemophila were just beginning to emerge. The aspens (Populus tremuloides) had not yet broken dormancy. Jim, Leslie, Cameron, and Shaelin Morefield

25 April 2003, southern Clark County, Nevada and adjacent Mohave County, Arizona: substantial late rains have brought out some of the annuals, but many perennials are still recovering from last year's extremely dry conditions. In surveys for two-tone beardtongue (Penstemon bicolor), very few plants are in flower, with most either dead or in seedling stage. There appears to be a major drought-induced die-off of California juniper (Juniperus californicus) in the region. transcribed from telephone conversation with Frank Smith, Western Ecological Services

28 March 2003, Bishop and Owens Valley area, ca 4000 ft, Inyo County, California: it's a phenomenal annual year down here! Even better than 1998, but it's confined to a narrow northwestern Mojave band. Anne Halford, Bureau of Land Management

12 February 2003, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: first flowers of Nevada parsley (Lomatium nevadense) seen, abundant germination of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and other annuals, mosses green, soil moist below 0-1 inches. Jim Morefield, Eric Peterson, Ed Skudlarek, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

22 January 2003, Peterson Mountain area, ca 5500 ft, Washoe Co.: at the annual NNPS Board Meeting today, there were second-hand reports that sagebrush buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus ellipticus) is already in bloom in this area. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

6 July 2002, Spring Mountains NRA, Kyle Canyon area, trail up to Stanley B Spring, ca 7400-8000 ft, Clark Co.: manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) and jojoba [Garrya flavescens, silktassel?] had bloomed, but the spent blooms appeared to be dried out and unproductive. The elderberries (Sambucus mexicana) were just starting to bloom, and something like Solomon seal (Smilacina stellata) was in flower. Barbara Washington

14 June 2002, top of Leadville Canyon, near Leadville turnoff, 5800 ft, Washoe Co.: with Artemisia arbuscula(?) (dwarf sagebrush) were Balsamorhiza hookeri (hairy balsamroot) nearing the end of its flowering period, lots of Castilleja pilosa (hairy paintbrush), Aster scopulorum (rock aster), Erigeron linearis (desert yellow fleabane), Erigeron chrysopsidis (dwarf yellow fleabane), Lupinus (lupine), and the fruits of Astragalus obscurus (arcane milkvetch) were difficult to detect lying along the ground. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

14 June 2002, Leadville Canyon, 4800 ft, Washoe Co.: on the side slopes Tetradymia glabrata (little leaved horsebrush), Calochortus bruneaunis (Bruneau mariposa lily) and Helianthus cusickii (Cusick sunflower) were in bloom. Below, a vetch (Lathyrus lanszwertii?, Nevada vetch) climbed up into the streamside willows, and while in flower, a few fruit were forming. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

14 June 2002, Black Rock Desert, near Mud Meadow Reservoir, at a sandy location, 4325 ft, Humboldt Co.: the main shrubs were: Sarcobatus vermiculatus (greasewood), Artemisia spinescens (budsage), and Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage). There was an abundance of sandy-site annuals in flower: Tiquilia nuttallii, Gilias, Glyptopleura marginata (carveseed or peanut butter plant), Lupinus pusillus intermontanus (rusty lupine), Nama aretioides (purple mat), Malacothrix glabrata (desert dandelion), Chaetadelpha wheeleri (Wheeler skeletonweed), Eriogonum maculatum (spotted wild buckwheat), Camissonia claviformis cruciformis (suncup), Camissonia parvula (Lewis River suncup), Abronia turbinata (transmontane sand verbena), Canbya aurea (golden pygmy poppy), Mentzelia sp. (stickleaf), and Gayophytum sp. (groundsmoke). Orobanche (broomrape) was just about finishing blooming. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

13-14 June 2002, Black Rock Desert, various locations in the Soldier/Mud Meadow area, 4400 ft, Humboldt Co.: Lotus purshianus (Spanish clover) just beginning to flower, was by ditches and along some drainage courses, Tetradymia glabrata (little leaved horsebrush) was common and in flower, Camissonia boothii alyssoides (shredding suncup) was common in some spots while Camissonia tanacetifolia (tansy-leaved suncup) was at moister, or previously moister, drainages, also along a previously moist, channeled drainage were Lupinus sp. (lupine), Monardella odoratissima (mountain mint) starting to flower, Brickellia oblongifolia (narrowleaf brickellbush) in bud, Eriastrum sp. (woollystar), Eriophyllum lanatum achillaeoides (woolly yellow daisy), Iva axillaris (povertyweed), Cryptantha pterocarya (wing nut) with most of the flowers having set fruit, and old stems of Mentzelia laevicaulis (blazing star). Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

13-14 June 2002, Black Rock Desert, various locations along the Soldier Meadow road, 4400 ft, Humboldt Co.: there were showy occurrences of Stanleya pinnata (prince's plume) and Cleome lutea (yellow bee plant). Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

13 June 2002, Black Rock Desert, Wagner Springs, 4000 ft, Humboldt Co.: by the piped springhead were Mimulus guttatus (common yellow or seep monkeyflower) which were quite tall and very showy, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (watercress) in flower and fruit, and Berula erecta (cutleaf ater parsnip). Sisyrinchium halophilum (Nevada blue-eyed grass) was growing amid Melilotus (sweetclover) and grasses (Poaceae). Sarcobatus vermiculatus (greasewood ) was in flower. Just a bit north of the springs, Eriogonum heermannii humilius (Heermann wild buckwheat) was in flower. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

13 June 2002, Black Rock Desert off Soldier Meadow road, ca 4000 ft, Pershing Co.: in sand, both loose and packed were Artemisia spinescens (budsage) at the end of its flowering time, Tetradymia glabrata (little leaved horsebrush) in flower throughout the region, Sarcobatus vermiculatus (greasewood), and Kochia americana (greenmolly). There were a few annuals such as Eriastrum eremicum (desert woollystar), Chaetadelpha wheeleri (Wheeler skeletonweed), Eriogonum maculatum (spotted wild buckwheat), and a few depauperate Camissonia claviformis cruciformis (suncup). Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

27 May 2002, Cabin Spring area of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, ca 6000-6500 ft, Clark Co.: there were no annuals or grasses growing at all. Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus intricatus) and grizzly bear pricklypear (among other common names for Opuntia erinacea var. ursina) were in bloom and brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) was making a feeble attempt at blooming. Mike R. Freese, IRS Taxpayer Advocate Section, Las Vegas

27 May 2002, Reno Area, Hidden Valley County Park, foothills of the Virginia Range, ca 4600-5000 ft, Washoe Co.: on the alluvial fans at the south end of the park I found Calochortus bruneaunis (Great Basin sego lily) and a lot of Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf). I then went onto the nearly barren hillsides and found Eriogonum robustum (altered andesite buckwheat), Salvia dorrii (purple sage), Lupinus brevicaulis (shortstem lupine), Gilia, and a prostrate Phacelia. In places on the toe slopes there was also Castilleja angustifolia (desert paintbrush). Gary Monroe, Nevada Native Plant Society

22 May 2002, foothills of the Virginia Range just north of Carson City up Goni Road, ca 5200 ft: Grayia spinosa (hopsage), Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush), and annual Gilia were in fruit, those in flower included Calochortus bruneaunis (Great Basin sego lily), Mentzelia albicaulis (whitestem stickleaf), Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker balsamroot), Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense (Nevada sulfur-flower), Eriogonum ovalifolium var. ovalifolium (ovalleaf buckwheat), Chorizanthe brevicornu (brittle spineflower), Pectocarya setosa (moth combseed), Muilla transmontana (inland muilla), Poa secunda var. secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail grass), and Hesperostipa comata (needle-and-thread grass). Astragalus malacus (shaggy milkvetch) was in flower and fruit. James Morefield, Jennifer Newmark, Eric Peterson, and Glenn Clemmer, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

20 May 2002, Las Vegas Area, Clark County, Spring Mountains, Bonanza Trail, 7400-8400 ft: in bloom along the approach road from Cold Creek were Ceanothus greggii (desert mountain-lilac), Purshia tridentata var. glandulosa (antelope bitterbrush), Peraphyllum ramosissimum (wild crabapple), and Stanleya pinnata (Prince’s plume). From the trailhead to about 1/3 the distance to the ridge: Erysimum capitatum (western wallflower), Pedicularis semibarbata var. charlestonensis (Charleston pinewood lousewort), Galium triflorum (many-flowered bedstraw), Antennaria microphylla (rosy pussytoes), Fritillaria atropurpurea (leopard-lily), Senecio multilobatus (lobe-leaved groundsel), Lesquerella kingii ssp. latifolia (King bladderpod), Linanthus nuttallii (summer snow), Commandra umbellata ssp. pallida (bastard toadflax), Linum lewisii var. alpicola (alpine blue flax), Castilleja martini var. clokeyi (Clokey paintbrush), Cercocarpus ledifolius var. intermontanus (mountain mahogany), Ribes cereum var. cereum (wax currant), Streptanthus cordatus (heartleaf twistflower), Physaria chambersii (twinpod), Cryptantha sp.(catseye), Ipomopsis aggregata (skyrocket gilia). Tucked in a rock crevice was the somewhat large moss, Encalypta vulgaris var. vulgaris, commonly known as one of the "candlesnuffer" mosses. Cheryl Beyer, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

15-16 May 2002, Santa Rosa Range, Humboldt County: the lower slopes just above Paradise Valley (~5400 ft) have large showings of Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker balsamroot) visible from many miles out in the valley. Mixed with the B. hookeri is Lomatium nudicaule (pestle lomatium, the dominant plant on these slopes), and an abundance of Phlox and Lupinus. Going further into the mountains (6-7000 ft elevation), Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush) is in bloom, along with lots of Mertensia sp. (bluebells), Hydrophyllum capitatum (waterleaf or woolen breeches), and occasional Astragalus spp. (milkvetch). Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) was the main reason for this excursion; phenology showed surprisingly little variation from Reno, through the Lahontan trough, and up into the Santa Rosas. Everywhere B. tectorum was going to seed and in the midst of its transition from green to reddish. The red was somewhat more distinct at lower elevations, but not dramatically so. In some dryer areas, the reddening was beginning to be cut short with some of the grass starting to yellow. The only obvious difference was that the higher elevation populations were much shorter - only 2-3 in on south facing slopes over 6000 ft. Eric Peterson, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

11 May 2002, Las Vegas area, Sheep Mountain, Clark County: hiking up from the end of the Pine Nut Road in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge to the top of Sheep Mountain, along and down the ridge to the south, and down Long Valley, the following plants were in bloom: compact phlox (Phlox condensata), Hitchcock bladderpod (Lesquerella hitchcockii), twinpod (Physaria chambersii, lobe-leaved groundsel (Senecio multilobatus), low sand-verbena (Abronia nana ssp. covillei), basin aster (Machaeranthera grindelioides var. depressa), spiny greasebush (Glossopetalon spinescens), catseye (Cryptantha sp.), milkvetch (Astragalus sp.), blue flax (Linum lewisii var. lewisii), and the rare species Clokey paintbrush (Castilleja martinii var. clokeyi), Charleston pinewood lousewort (Pedicularis semibarbata var. charlestonensis), Charleston grounddaisy (Townsendia jonesii var. tumulosa), and smooth dwarf greasewood (Glossopetalon pungens var. glabrum). Cheryl Beyer, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

5 May 2002, Las Vegas Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Loop Road, Clark County: the best flowers were seen at the entrance station (they get watered!). Those were yellow flowers on old man cactus (Opuntia erinacea) and purple flowers on hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii). While bicycling the 13-mile loop around RRCNCA, flowers of the following species were noted: Creosote (Larrea tridentata), rattlesnake weed (Chamaesyce albomarginata), Jimsonweed (Datura wrightii), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata), desert trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum) purple sage (Salvia dorrii var. dorrii), spider milkweed (Asclepias asperula var. asperula), yerba santa (Eriodictyon angustifolium), twotone penstemon (Penstemon bicolor ssp. bicolor?) one plant, Palmer penstemon (Penstemon palmeri), scarlet gaura (Gaura coccinea var. epilobioides), indigo-bush (Psorothamnus fremontii var. fremontii), big galleta (Hilaria rigida), desert needlegrass (Achnatherum speciosum), range ratany (Krameria parviflora), scale glandweed (Thymophylla pentachaeta var. belenidium), globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua ssp ambigua) looking shrubby, white-stem paper-flower (Psilostrophe cooperi), cliffrose (Purshia mexicana var. stansburiana), Apache-plume (Fallugia paradoxa), and bush encelia (Encelia frutescens var. virginensis). Cheryl Beyer, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

4 May 2002, Las Vegas Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Bridge Mountain, 6460 ft, Clark County: western redbud (Cercis canadensis var. orbiculata) and Apache-plume (Fallugia paradoxa) in bloom along the approach road to the trailhead. Along the trail the following were in bloom: Claret-cup cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus), compact phlox (Phlox condensata), Wallace woollyleaf (Eriophyllum wallacei), silver daisy (Erigeron argentatus), rattlesnake weed (Chamaesyce albomarginata) and five of our sensitive species for the area: smooth dwarf greasebush (Glossopetalon pungens var. glabrum), Charleston grounddaisy (Townsendia jonesii var. tumulosa), Charleston violet (Viola purpurea var. charlestonensis), New York Mountains catseye (Cryptantha tumulosa), and Clokey paintbrush (Castilleja martinii var. clokeyi). The smooth dwarf greasebush was flowering in profusion! Cheryl Beyer, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

28 April 2002, Las Vegas Area, Griffith Peak, up to 11,072' summit along South Loop Trail, Clark County: if you keep a sharp eye out, you may see a flower! Berberis aquifolium var. repens, Physaria chambersii, and Arabis pendulina var. pendulina. The top is still snow or mud, but where exposed, Potentilla beanii is greening up. Cheryl Beyer, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

27 April 2002, Las Vegas Area, Mt. Potosi, up to 8514' summit along road on west side, Clark County: This is the last mountain to the south in the Spring Mountains Range that has forested slopes. You have to get up close and personal to see the occasional flowers on Phlox condensata, Astragalus newberryi, Ribes cereum var. cereum, Lesquerella hitchcockii, and Senecio multilobatus. Cheryl Beyer, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

25-28 April 2002, Jepson Herbarium Weekend Workshop, spring flora of the White Mountains, 4500-6000 ft, Inyo and Mono County, California: away from water sources, there were no annuals out, and hardly any shrub activity. Only near sources of water or extra run-off (roadsides, canyon walls, sheltered washes, rock crevices, leaky pipelines, permanent streams, etc.) was there a decent (though sparse) diversity of the hardier flowering shrubs, perennials, and annuals, and their phenology appeared delayed by a couple weeks. Desert pepperbush (Lepidium fremontii) and indigobush (Psorothamnus arborescens minutifolius) were the easiest shrubs to find in flower, and Mojave mound cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) was out in the southeastern canyons. The area received its first soaking rains in several months during this time, though, and is likely to be much greener in a month or two. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

16 April 2002, Point Of Rocks Springs, Ash Meadows, ca 2300 ft, Nye County: no annuals observed, and the mesquite was only beginning to leaf out, but the desert mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum) on it was in fruit, unlike the mistletoe in nearby Stewart Valley. A cudweed (Gnaphalium luteo-album) was in flower along a trickle of water with rabbitsfoot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). Heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum) was in flower and scattered around the area, as was Encelia (Encelia frutescens). Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

7 April 2002, Las Vegas Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, White Rock Hills Peak, ca 4800 ft, Clark Co.: I noticed three species in bloom while climbing this beautiful white rock peak: our sensitive endemic Astragalus remotus (Spring Mountains Milkvetch), Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida (Bastard Toad-flax), and an unknown Arabis with purple flowers. I didn't see anything else in bloom, but there was a wide variety of lichens coloring the sandstone. Cheryl Beyer, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

29 March 2002, east base of Carson Range, Lakeview area of Carson City, Reds Grade about 5300 ft: sagebrush buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus ellipticus) in flower, under Jeffrey Pine in open spots between snow still on ground, much as it has been seen here in previous years. Ann Pinzl, Natural History Collections Services

15 March 2002, Death Valley region, Nye and southern Esmeralda cos., and adjacent Inyo Co., CA: because of the lack of precipitation below 5000 feet in the park, the flowers this season are few and far between. There is almost nothing currently flowering in the valley. Some canyons may have isolated patches at best. Greenwater Valley did get some rain this winter, so it's possible there will be patches of wildflowers in that area. The higher elevations (more than 5000 feet) should be good starting in May. There is still a lot of snow in the Panamint Mountains. Dana York, Death Valley National Park

5 March 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: In the low / Lahontan / Wyoming sagebrush vegetation, Nevada parsley (Lomatium nevadense) well into flower, first flowers of microsteris (Microsteris gracilis), burr buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus), spring whitlowgrass (Draba verna), and monkeyflower (Mimulus mephiticus), leaves emerging on wild onions (Allium spp.), death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus), and sego lily (Calochortus bruneaunis). Soil mosses green on gentle north slopes, open soil dry to about 3 inches depth. Jim Morefield, Eric Peterson, Jennifer Newmark, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

28 February 2002, Death Valley region, Nye and southern Esmeralda cos., and adjacent Inyo Co., CA: very dry in the valleys and on the lower slopes, with few or no flowers expected this year, but moisture has been good at higher elevations in the mountains. Dana York, Death Valley National Park

21 February 2002, White Mountains, mouth of Indian Creek, ca 6500-7000 ft, Esmeralda Co.: encountered snow still on the ground in the lower pinyon-juniper zone just within the Inyo National Forest boundary, but it was patchy and melting fast. Jim Shevock, National Park Service, Pacific West Office

10 February 2002, Las Vegas Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Indecision Peak, ca 5400 ft, Clark Co.: first flowers of the year for me! Parry's lomatium (Lomatium parryi), in soil amid the plentiful sandstone bedrock. Generally, we haven't gotten a lot of winter moisture this year. Cheryl Beyer, Spring Mountains NRA, Humboldt-Toiyabe N.F.

10 February 2002, Carson City area, Virginia Range foothills between Carson City and Mound House, ca 5000 ft, far western Nevada: first flowers of the year! Nevada parsley (Lomatium nevadense) is in flower on south-facing slopes above the valley inversion zone. Precipitation has been fairly normal and regular, and soil profiles are moist to a considerable depth. Seedlings are abundant. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

24 July 2001, upper Eldorado Canyon, northern Pine Nut Mountains, Douglas-Lyon county line, 6200-7200 ft: very dry in the pinyon-juniper woodland, with only scattered curl-leaf rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) seen in bud and early flower. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

23 July 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: very dry, although some recent thunderstorm activity over western Nevada from Carson City southward may green things up and bring out a few summer annuals over the next few weeks. The only flowers noted in the sagebrush scrub today were skeletonweed (Stephanomeria spinosa), and curl-leaf rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) just starting. Some not-very-vigorous inflorescences are starting to develop on the sagebrush. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

18 May 2001, Carson Valley, north of Minden along U.S. highway 395, Douglas Co., ca 4700 ft: wild iris (Iris missouriensis) in bloom in the fields. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

18 May 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: desert peach (Prunus andersonii), bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus), and Anderson milkvetch (Astragalus andersonii) finishing flower and starting fruit, Nevada sulfur-flower (Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense) in full flower, scattered sego lily (Calochortus bruneaunis) in bud and early flower, smooth horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata) in bud about to flower, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) reddening and starting to yellow at about 4-6 inches in height. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

11 May 2001, Wells area, ca 5500 ft, Elko Co.: Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is blooming at only 10-20 cm height, likely due to drought conditions. Poa secunda is also in flower at about 20-25 cm height. Phlox hoodii is in flower, as are the dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), filaree (Erodium cicutarium) is still flowering, but the bur buttercups (Ranunculus testiculatus) are about done. Many of the other low elevation plants should begin flowering within a week or two. Cheri Howell, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

6 May 2001, Kershaw-Ryan State Park, 2 miles south of Caliente, ca 4300 ft, Lincoln Co.: long-leaved phlox (Phlox longifolia), several Cryptantha species, banana yucca (Yucca baccata),Great Basin groundsel (Senecio multilobatus), small-flowered blazing star (Mentzelia albicaulis), Frémont phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) covering the hillsides, yellow monkeyflowers (Mimulus parryi?) and red-purple ones (M. bigelovii?), many Gilia species, a purple penstemon (Penstemon speciosus?), globemallow (Sphaeralcea), deer lotus (Lotus rigidus), fleabane daisy (Erigeron engelmannii?), paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata), bitterbrush and cliffrose, Ephedra (viridis and nevadensis), and little gold poppy (Eschscholzia minutiflora) all in flower. The four o'clocks (Mirabilis) and sand verbena (Abronia) will be blooming soon. Barbara Rohde (Nevada State Parks) and Phares Woods

30 April 2001, trip from Panaca to Alamo, U.S. highway 93, to Kane Springs Road to Caliente, Lincoln Co.: around Pahroc Summit, ca 5000 ft: Frémont phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) in abundance, many other "belly flowers," among them a tiny white Gilia, forget-me-nots and popcorn flowers (Cryptantha spp.), a tiny yellow Gilia, white stemmed blazing star (Mentzelia albicaulis or M. veatchiana), bristly gilia (Loeseliastrum schottii), and desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata). A few miles farther south: Ephedra, mallow (Sphaeralcea), a tall phacelia (P. crenulata group?), and winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata). From Crystal Springs to Alamo along Highway 93, ca 3800-3500 ft: desert alyssum (Lepidium fremontii), a few desert chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), cheesebush (Hymenoclea salsola), pincushions (Chaenactis stevioides and a few C. fremontii), scattered prince's plumes (Stanleya pinnata), and beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris). Many of the flowers which were so plentiful in early and mid April had already "fried & died." Just east of highway 93 on Kane Springs Road, ca 2600 ft: few rock nettles (Eucnide urens) scattered lilac sunbonnets (Langloisia punctata?) About 10 miles east of highway 93, ca 3100 ft: a lot desert marigolds (Baileya pleniradiata(?), in abundance since Crystal Springs) and a few purple asters (Machaeranthera tortifolia?). 15 miles east of highway 93, ca 3200 ft:, blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) was blooming, desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) NOT in bloom yet, even in the lower portion of Rainbow Canyon. Barbara Rohde, Nevada State Parks

29 April 2001, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Lincoln Co., ca 4950 ft: bud sagebrush (Artemisia spinescens) was blooming, the cliffrose and bitterbrush were just starting to bloom, white-margined gentian (Frasera albomarginata) was just poking out its basal leaves, same with the mariposa lilies (Calochortus). There was more long-flowered gilia (Ipomopsis longiflora) than I have ever seen at one time! Long-beaked twist-flower (Streptanthella longirostris) was poking out here and there, as was bladderpod, golden cryptanth, and flax. Barbara Rohde, Nevada State Parks

25 April 2001, northern Delamar Mountains, north of US highway 93, Lincoln Co., 5800-5900 ft.: Gilia (Gilia), the still abundant Frémont phacelia (Phacelia fremontii), Torrey milk-vetch (Astragalus calycosus), and a yellow Desert-parsley (Lomatium) were all in flower. In nearby Antelope Canyon, 4800-5200 ft.: desert-almond (Prunus fasciculata), a white evening-primrose (Oenothera), long-leaf phlox (Phlox longifolia) all in flower. North of Grassy Spring, south of US highway 93, ca 5800 ft:. with Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), banana yucca (Yucca baccata), pepperbush (Lepidium fremontii), Bitterbrush (Purshia), Sagebrush (Artemisia), and a lot of feral horse sign, there was a slope of globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea) just coming into flower, and white tidytips (Layia glandulosa), sprawling skyrocket (Ipomopsis polycladon), rose-heath (Chaetopappa ericoides), Gilia, lots of Frémont phacelia (Phacelia fremontii), and a nearby claret-cup cactus were in good flower. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

24 April 2001, south of White River Narrows along Nevada highway 318, Lincoln Co.: a white Evening-Primrose (Oenothera) in flower. In the Narrows: a white flowered currant (Ribes cereum?) against a rock wall. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

23 April 2001, Pahranagat Valley, along Nevada highway 318, Lincoln Co., ca 3950 ft.: heart-leaf jewelflower (Streptanthus cordatus) in flower and fruit all over a road cut. Away from highway 318, about 0.5 mile up Mail Summit Road: annuals abundant, especially Frémont phacelia (Phacelia fremontii) which is having a very good year in Lincoln County, several grasses such as six-week grass (Vulpia), several species of cat’s-eye (Cryptantha), Gilia, fiddle-mustard (Streptanthella longirostris), and a white sun-cup (Camissonia). A special treat was a nice stand of threehearts (Tricardia watsonii) in flower and fruit under some shrubbery in a deep draw. Shrubs included blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) just starting to flower, Mormon-tea (Ephedra), pepperbush (Lepidium fremontii) and twin-fruit (Menodora spinescens) both in full flower, bladder-sage (Salazaria mexicana) and desert-almond (Prunus fasciculata) in a draw. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

23 April 2001, site of Troy in Troy Canyon, Grant Range, Nye Co., 5950 ft.: recent burn, bur buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus) covering a moist flattish area, narrow-leaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolius) sprouting and leafing out post-burn, a milk-vetch (Astragalus) in flower up-canyon. In lower Troy Canyon, willows and a bright red paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa?) regularly in flower. Around 5400 ft.: bud-sage (Artemisia spinescens) and phlox in flower amid greasewood (Sarcobatus), Mormon-tea (Ephedra), desert-trumpet leaves (Eriogonum inflatum), and a milk-vetch (Astragalus). Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

17 April 2001, Pine Nut Mountains, Lyon and Douglas counties: along Sunrise Pass Road, ca 6400 ft: slender phlox (Microsteris gracilis) and Plumas desert-parsley (Lomatium plummerae) in flower, the latter locally abundant at Sunrise Pass and elsewhere; observed "starts" of Zigadenus, Senecio multilobatus, Allium (anceps?), Astragalus purshii starting to flower. West of Lebo Spring, ca 6050 ft: Nevada desert-parsley (Lomatium nevadense) flowering, a few Gilias just beginning to flower, Astragalus (probably malacus) leaves showing; East side of the Pine Nut Mountains, west of the Buckskin Range: dwarf onion (Allium parvum), very few Gilias, miniature monkeyflower (Mimulus suksdorfii), white false tickhead (Eatonella nivea). Head of Spring Gulch, 5100 ft: northern bog violet (Viola nephrophylla) flowering, California monkey-fiddle (Hesperochiron californicus) carpeting the meadow area; Along Artesia Road and Upper Colony Road, east side of Pine Nut Mountains, 4700 -4800 ft: desert peach (Prunus andersonii) in bloom, at best only in bud higher up. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

16 April 2001, McClellan Peak area, south end of the Virginia Range, ca 6400 ft, Carson City: Nevada desert-parsley (Lomatium nevadense), cushion pussytoes (Antennaria dimorpha) in flower. Area seemed short of its "normal supply" of flowers and there weren't many "starts" either. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

14-15 April 2001, Clark County: along highway 93/95 entering Boulder City: beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) in bloom. Lake Mead area: suncups (Camissonia), pincushion (Chaenactis), purple mat (Nama), primrose (Oenothera), sunrays (Enceliopsis), and several types of Phacelia in flower. Mike R. Freese, Las Vegas

13 April 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: western peony (Paeonia brownii) fully leafed out and in bud, death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus) still in leaf, Camissonia contorta in flower and fruit, Lupinus lepidus beginning to flower, Anderson milkvetch (Astragalus andersonii) leafed out, desert peach (Prunus andersonii) just starting to flower, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) reaching full flower mostly at 1-3 inches in height. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

12 April 2001, few miles east of Silver Springs along U.S. Highway 50, ca 4000 ft, Lyon County: very dry, little activity, Bailey greasewood (Sarcobatus baileyi) beginning to leaf out and develop male cones, big greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) leafing out, budsage (Artemisia spinescens) starting to flower. Recent snow may improve conditions here in a few weeks. Jim Morefield, Eric Peterson, Jennifer Newmark, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

10 April 2001, Washoe Lake State Park, edge of salt-grass (Distichlis) flats, ca 5040 ft, Washoe County: a few California monkey-fiddle (Hesperochiron californicus) were in bloom. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

10 April 2001, Wells area, ca 5500 ft, Elko County: precipitation is 40-60% below normal, with spring sleet/snow storms ongoing. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is out, but not in flower, and many of the bench area grasses (squirreltail, Nevada bluegrass, basin wildrye, crested wheatgrass, needlegrasses, and Indian ricegrass) have begun to sprout. The lower-elevation meadows are just beginning to green up. Bur buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus) is beginning to flower and filaree (Erodium cicutarium) is beginning to show. Sagebrush buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus) that was in bloom froze last weekend when it was covered with snow. Cheri Howell, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

21 March 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: after 5 days of near 70-degree days, the annuals are bolting, including gilia (Gilia inconspicua), filaree (Erodium cicutarium) tansy mustard (Descurainia sophia), and clasping pepperweed (Lepidium perfoliatum). Cheatgrass is still vegetative. Conditions remain dry, and the annuals may not progress very far. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

20 March 2001, eastern Clark County from the Muddy Mountains to Gold Butte: fantastic this year for wildflowers. The rains must have come at the right time because there is a wide variety of native wildflowers, including Androstephium breviflorum (Lily Family), Eucrypta micrantha (Water Leaf Family), Delphinium parishii (Buttercup Family), and Guillenia lasiophylla (Mustard Family). The leaves on this latter species taste like Chinese hot mustard! There is also a large assortment of Phacelias, Gilias, and Cryptanthas. We will be looking for occurrences of Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus (Three-cornered milkvetch). Gayle Marrs-Smith, Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas

Mid-March, east of U.S. highway 95 in Keyhole Canyon, Eldorado Mountains, ca 2800 ft, Clark Co.: tons of suncups (Camissonia brevipes) and several kinds of Phacelia; the pincushions (Chaenactis) were also out. Mike R. Freese, Las Vegas

13 March 2001, Clark County area: An above-average display of wildflowers (winter annuals) is underway at this time in southern Nevada (Clark Co.), in the lower elevations along the Colorado River. This includes Laughlin, Davis Dam, Cottonwood Cove, and Eldorado Canyon (NV). Even better displays are found across the river in Arizona, especially in the Willow Beach area. At higher elevations in Clark County (3000 ft. and upward) winter annuals are also germinating. These areas have received considerable moisture, and we expect an outstanding display of perennial vegetation in them within another month's time. Contacts in southern Arizona report a riot of color now on the Sonoran Desert. Wes Niles, University of Nevada Las Vegas Herbarium

12 March 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: first flowers of Nevada lomatium (Lomatium nevadense), microsteris (Microsteris gracilis), and burr buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus), first fruits of spring whitlowgrass (Draba verna) flowering abundantly among sagebrush. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

4 March 2001, Granite Hills, top of hills between Red Rock Road and Cold Springs, T21N R18E S27, ca 5650 ft, southern Washoe Co.: sage buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus) in flower. John Dyer, NNPS

28 February 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: continued cold and damp with a steady string of light rain and snow events. Leaves of Nevada lomatium (Lomatium nevadense) emerged and expanded on ground, leaf tips of death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus) just emerging. Reports of recent major precipitation in southern and northeastern Nevada, after drier than normal early winter. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

2 February 2001, Tonopah area, ca 5500-6000 ft, central Nye Co.: "Looks like we have enough moisture for a good show of wild flowers this spring". John Brack, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

31 January 2001, Carson Hot Springs area, ca 4700 ft, Carson City: scattered heavy snowfall events since November, with persistent cold to slow melting. Annuals germinating abundantly in the local area, particularly cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and filaree (Erodium cicutarium), but may burn out early, with long-range forecasts showing drier than normal conditions. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

18 May 2000, Pahranagat Valley, NV highway 375 near Hiko turnoff, ca 4000 ft, Lincoln Co.: indigo bush (Psorothamnus fremontii), boxthorn (Lycium andersonii, fruit beginning to turn red on some), Mirabilis pudica in bud, jewelflower (Streptanthus cordatus) in fruit, desert larkspur (Delphinium parishii). Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

17 May 2000, in and around Ursine, east of Pioche, 5800 ft, Lincoln Co.: sand verbena (Abronia elliptica), limestone evening primrose (Oenothera caespitosa var. crinita). Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

16 May 2000, south end of Wilson Creek Range, Meadow Valley Recreation Area (BLM) camp site, and drainage above it, ca 6200 ft, Lincoln Co.: skyrocket penstemon (Penstemon eatonii), bladderpod (Physaria chambersii) in fruit, butterweed (Senecio multilobatus), Mojave mound cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus), a white-rayed fleabane (Erigeron sp.), a Lotus. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

16 May 2000, US highway 93, Newman Canyon about 1.5 miles west of Caliente, ca 4700 ft, Lincoln Co.: Heliomeris multiflora, a tall perennial Cryptantha, Oenothera pallida, fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) in fruit. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

15 May 2000, Delamar Mts., US highway 93 1-1.5 miles E of Oak Springs Summit, ca 6000 ft, Lincoln Co.: desert bitterbrush (Purshia glandulosa), a tall & beautiful lupine (Lupinus sp.). Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

15 May 2000, US highway 93, Sixmile Flat between Crystal Springs and Oak Springs Summit, ca 4600 ft, Lincoln Co.: bashful four-o'clock (Mirabilis pudica), giant four-o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora). Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

15 May 2000, Tikabo Valley along NV highway 375, ca 4600 ft, Lincoln Co.: cholla (Opuntia echinocarpa) and beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) in flower, joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) in fruit, many shrubs in flower: shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa, also fruit), smooth horsebrush (Tetradymia glabrata), goldenheads (Acamptopappus shockleyi), Frémont pepperbush (Lepidium fremontii). Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

15 May 2000, Railroad Valley, NV highway 375 by Reveille turnoff, Nye Co.: a large stand of desert marigold (Baileya pleniradiata) giving a yellow color to a part of the valley, sand cholla (Opuntia pulchella, a few in flower) mixed in with it. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

15 May 2000, east side of Fairview Peak in area that had burned in July 1999, Churchill Co.: filaree (Erodium cicutarium), tansy mustard (Descurainia sp.), an annual stickleaf (Mentzelia sp.), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda var. secunda), cushion buckwheat (Eriogonum caespitosum), hawksbeard (Crepis sp.), phlox (Phlox spp.), Lepidium perfoliatum, Astragalus iodanthus, Astragalus curvicarpus (which was particularly showy and frequent), larkspur (Delphinium sp.), paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), Nevada breadroot (Lomatium nevadense, in fruit), blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora), miner's lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata complex) Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

6 May 2000, Blowsand Mountains, Bass Flat area, south of Fallon, 4100-4200 ft, Churchill Co.: shrubs diverse, greening well, spiny horsebrush (Tetradymia spinosa) and Bailey greasewood (Sarcobatus baileyi) in flower, budsage (Artemisia spinescens) and wolfberry (Lycium shockleyi) past flower; sand cholla (Opuntia pulchella) in bud; cheatgrass abundant, 4-6 inches, starting to redden; other annuals diverse, fairly common, desert sunflower (Helianthus deserticola), rusty lupine (Lupinus pusillus var. intermontanus), Nuttall sandmat (Tiquilia nuttallii) starting to flower; Geyer milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri var. geyeri) in leaf. NNPS field trip

1 May 2000, Fallon to Lahontan Dam, 4000-4100 ft, Churchill Co.: cheat grass 4-6 inches along highway 50, starting to redden; desert dandelions (Malacothrix glabrata) and yellow beeplant (Cleome lutea) opening, but only in irrigated areas and near roadsides; Nevada ephedra (Ephedra nevadensis) male cones open. James Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

29 April 2000, Sagehen Creek (between Truckee and Sierraville), 6100 ft, Nevada Co., CA: Brown peony (Paeonia brownii) in flower. Eric Miskow, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

28 April 2000, Great Basin National Park, White Pine Co.: the lowlands here are dry, dry, dry. Not much happening in the plant world. Our snowpack isn't too awful bad but it is going fast. Looks like it is going to be a tough year. Joe Sirotnak, GBNP

27 April 2000, Big Dune, 2500 ft, Nye Co.: sand lupine (Lupinus shockleyi), sand mat (Tiquilia [Coldenia] plicata), and a stinkweed (Cleomella) in flower, freckled milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus) in good fruit with some flowers. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

26 April 2000, Crater Flat area on east side of Bare Mountain, 3000 ft, Nye Co: large crop of straggling mariposa lily (Calochortus flexuosus), beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) in full bloom, annuals fairly abundant but very stunted, Nuttall milkvetch (Astragalus nuttallianus) along roadside. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

25-26 April 2000, Ash Meadows, 2100-2300 ft, Nye Co.: Ash Meadows sunray (Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata), alkali mariposa lily (Calochortus striatus), and golden forget-me-not (Cryptantha confertiflora) in flower, Arizona grape (Vitis arizonica) just opening. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

24-25 April 2000, Pahrump Valley near and south of Pahrump, 2770-3360 ft, Nye Co.: relatively green with shrubs doing very well, Spanish bayonet (Yucca schidigera) about to have a major bloom, mesquite on some dunes just leafing out, annuals (even the common ones) very few and very sparse. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

24 April 2000, Marietta area near Teels Salt Marsh, 5400-5600 ft, Mineral Co.: 4 plants of chocolate drops (Caulanthus pilosus) in flower, none others seen, spiny menodora (Menodora spinescens) mostly dormant or vegetative, very few in flower, budsage (Artemisia spinescens) doing well, even the common annuals rare this year. Ann Pinzl, Nevada State Museum

19 April 2000, between Lemmon Valley and American Flat, north of Reno, 5800 ft, Washoe Co.: daggerpod (Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides) in flower. Eric Miskow, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

19 April 2000, Combs Canyon, 4800-5000 ft, Carson City: Brown peony (Paeonia brownii) in flower. Eric Miskow, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

6 April 2000, Death Valley National Park, Inyo Co.: perennials flowering well, but few or no annuals this year. Dana York, DVNP

6 April 2000, Las Vegas area, 2000-2500 ft, Clark Co.: very dry until late winter, few or no annuals germinated. several reports

March 2000, Lahontan Valley area, 4000 ft, Churchill Co.: fall and early winter relatively warm and dry, good moisture late January to early March, but little germination of winter annuals. Jim Morefield, Nevada Natural Heritage Program

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