So why do I get so excited about the flowers up in Ash Canyon? If you’ve been around the area for a while, you’ll certainly remember the Waterfall Fire of 2004. Here’s a photo of what it looked like after the fire, and why you should never take the beautiful scenery and diversity for granted!
Water Fall Fire 2004 – Along the V&T Bike Path
Here’s a look at what’s flowering right now. You’ll find all these plants on the lower trails, just above the V&T Bike Path. Take some time to enjoy them when you’re out riding.
Mariposa Lily
The Mariposa Lily is only a few inches tall, but they are numerous and easy to spot against the brown backdrop. Mariposa is Spanish for “butterfly”. The genus of this flower is Calochortus, which is Greek for “beautiful grass”.
Mariposa Lily
Prickly Poppy
Prickly Poppy is hard to miss with its giant white flowers. As its name implies, the rest of the plant looks like something you want to keep your hands off. This particular species appears to be Argemone munita.
Prickly Poppy
Palmer’s Penstemon
Palmer’s Penstemon, or Penstemon palmeri, is quite tall and can grow up to 2 meters in height. Penstemon is drought-tolerant, prefers drier soils, and grows in washes, roadsides, and canyon floors. The flowers are quite numerous, and the pink display is right at eye level for you to enjoy as you ride or hike by.
Palmer’s Penstemon
Palmer’s Penstemon
