During early spring, March or April, generally is the best time to see wildflowers in the Sonoran desert. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Desert Wildflower Blooms, opens a new window page has lots of information.
Local Botanical Gardens
Tohono Chul Park, opens a new window
7366 Paseo del Norte
Tucson, AZ 85704
520-742-6455
Tucson Botanical Gardens, opens a new window
2150 North Alvernon Way,
Tucson, AZ 85712
520-326-9686
Other Locations
Arizona State Route 86 on the Tohono O'odham Reservation west of Tucson
See brilliant gold poppies, white flowers of the desert evening primrose and other species, making this a colorful drive, especially early in the wildflower season, from mid-February to mid-March.
King Canyon in the Tucson Mountains west of Tucson
A short walk on the King Canyon trail is a good way to get a look at some of our wildflower "stars" such as poppies and lupines, and also to see lesser-known species including the white, lavender-streaked blossoms of the Arizona twist flower. Flowers should be at their best in March. To get to King Canyon, drive over Gate Pass west of Tucson, turn right (northwest) on Kinney Road and follow Kinney Road to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The trailhead is across the road from the museum.
Mount Lemmon Highway (also known as Catalina Highway) northeast of Tucson in the Catalina Mountains
Driving up to the lower reaches of the highway will take you to canyons and hillsides with a wide range of species. For a wildflower walk, consider a stop at the Babad Do'ag overlook at the 2.6 mile point on the highway. The 2.1 mile Babad Do'ag Trail, which begins across the highway from the overlook, often leads to plentiful blossoms in March. (Note: There is usually a fee to drive this highway.) The following canyons of the Catalina Mountains have wild flowers: Sabino, Esperero, Ventana, Finger Rock and Pima. Even during average years there are wildflowers here.
How much rain do wildflowers need and when?
Wildflowers need 3 to 6 inches of rain. In Tucson, the rain needs to fall from late September through early December. If the area has 10 inches of rain during these months, Tucson will have a spectacular wildflower display in the spring.
Sources:
"Spring flowers need fall showers." Arizona Daily Star. October 19, 2006. Page 1.
“Wildflowers could be great thanks to our 2+ inches of rain.” Arizona Daily Star. February 3, 2010. Page 1.
Find the information you need by calling the library's Infoline at 520-791-4010 or by sending your question to Ask a Librarian.
