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Phenomenal
Wildflowers Expected to Bloom in Clark County
Clark County residents and visitors alike soon can expect to witness one of the most amazing wildflower seasons ever in 2005. The conditions of the Mojave Desert that have occurred over the past several months have provided native plants a unique opportunity to bloom abundantly.
Over the past several months, Southern Nevada has received ample rainfall. Two categories of annual plants that propagate in the Las Vegas area are winter annuals and spring annuals. Winter annuals germinate following rainfall received in October and November, while spring annuals germinate following rainfall received in January and February. Since Southern Nevada received rainfall in both time frames, both categories of plants are expected to bloom this year. Furthermore, the rain that was received is considered abundant for the Mojave Desert and occurred over an extended period of time. These conditions will allow larger, slow growing plants a better opportunity to fully bloom this year. Local wildflower enthusiasts remember a great Southern Nevada wildflower season occurring in 1973 and another good wildflower season in the early 1980s. This year is expected to be the most productive for the largest array of native flora that Clark County has encountered in 70 years or more.
Lower elevation plants, those occurring below 3,000 feet, are already blooming around Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, along streams and rivers and even in people’s yards. Higher elevation plants are expected to begin to bloom in March. Wildflowers on Mt. Charleston are expected to remain in bloom until June. Residents won’t want to miss the beautiful scenery. However, county environmental and air quality officials want them to remember these tips when traveling in the desert:
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