Wildflowers

Common fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii)

The common fiddleneck is widespread in the western USA. Although common in the wild, it is unusual to see in a garden. In the Arizona deserts it blooms in winter and early spring, especially after some good winter rains.

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)

The desert marigold has distinct blue-green, hairy foliage followed by individual yellow flowers on long stems. It is very desert hardy and lasts for several years. The germination of the seeds may be difficult to predict, so you need to be patient.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

This dependable wildflower faithfully reseeds itself every year and spreads throughout my garden. It is easy to differentiate them from weeds because it has a unique parsely-like foliage. It is great for adding temporary colour to bare or monotonous areas. It does not like being transplanted, so make sure to save the seeds at the end of the season, to sow them in your desired growing area.

Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella)

Despite the lush foliage and profuse flowering, this wildflower is robust in the Arizona heat and sun. The seeds are wind-dispersed and difficult to collect. Often the main stem of the flower bends and flows along the ground so that the roots are not directly under the plant for watering. The young sprouts look just like weeds, so be careful not to pull them up by accident!

Gordon’s Bladderpod (Lesquerella gordonii)

The clusters of yellow, four-leafed flowers spring forth from slender shoots. The foliage is a gray-green colour, typical of desert plants. It blooms in the winter and early spring in the low deserts of Arizona.

Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus)

Arizona is home to several species of Lupine. The Arroyo Lupine is the one I am currently cultivating in my wildflower garden. It grows the best if it sprouts in the December rainy period, as it dies when the full heat and sun of Spring arrives in the low desert. It handles transplanting well, so if it springs up in the wrong spot, you can just move it. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful scent!

Emory’s Rock Daisy (Perityle emoryi)

The rock daisy is a classic wildflower of the Arizona desert. It is possible to find this wildflower growing at any time of the year. I found this one growing on South Mountain in January. You need to be observant to spot this small wildflower.

Parry’s Scorpionweed (Phacelia parryi)

The purple scorpionweed is a hardy and consistent desert wildflower. The small purple flowers can be spotted between January and May. There are several orther related Phacelia that can be found in Arizona. I have never seen them grown in a garden but you can buy them online.

Desert Senna (Senna covesii)


You can find this common flower both in the wild and in disturbed areas around the city. It is very drought tolerant and can grow when other wild flowers cannot. It produces prominent brown seed pods that split open to distribute seeds.