Tag: Arizona

Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Home to iconic natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona offers a dramatic and varied terrain that ranges from arid deserts to pine-covered mountains. The state’s climate is typically characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with the southern parts being desert-like while the northern regions experience a more temperate climate. Arizona is also rich in Native American history, with numerous tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache having deep roots in the region. The state’s cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, blend modern urban life with a strong appreciation for the natural environment and cultural heritage. Arizona’s economy thrives on tourism, technology, and agriculture, making it a dynamic and multifaceted state.

Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia )

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Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia )
Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia )

A member of the sunflower family, the Mojave-aster ( Xylorhiza tortifolia ) boasts a delicate lavender flower in the harsh desert environment. Also known as the Mojave Woodyaster, the plant commonly reaches about 30 inches in height. The green-grey colored stems hold a solitary flower which is about two inches in diameter. The plant gathers sun with three inch long silver-green leaves and an individual plant may offer dozens to purple hued flowers.

A solitary Mojave Aster next to a wind blown Globe Mallow bush.
A solitary Mojave Aster next to a wind blown Globemallow bush.

The Mojave Aster typically blooms between March and May, and again in October when the monsoon season allows. It in commonly found between 2000 and 3500 feet in elevation, however in California it is know to thrive between 700 and 6500 feet. The flowers of this plant are attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.

The aster is known to grown in the Great Basin and Sonora deserts and thrives in the Mojave. Like many other desert adapted plants, this plant thrives in sandy dry, well drained soil and common on desert slopes and washes.

The Havasupai people used this plant and its flowers as a fragrence to mask body odors and as an incense. Dried leaves where commonly carried in clothes by the tribal members.

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)

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Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos), also known as the “horny toad”, is a common North American reptile and found throughout the southwest and the Mojave. A personal childhood favorite of mine, the horned lizard does have the appearance of a small dinosaur and it a master of camouflage.

This is a small to medium sized lizard, its 3 – 5 inch broad and flat body features a prominent series of fringed scales. Its head also boasts several horn which offers the lizard its name. Undoubtedly, the overall body shape is that of a toad is also a contributing factor. The coloration of the body will vary to help the lizard blend into its background.

The reptile’s diet is small insects and is commonly found at or near ant mounds where they will lie in wait for its meal to simply walk by. Generally speaking this animal is found at elevations below 6500 feet in creosote-bursage flats and Mojave Desert Scrub.

Desert Horned Lizard, a master of camouflage
Desert Horned Lizard, a master of camouflage

Defensively, the little lizard is all about appearances. Primarily, camoflauge allows it to remain hidden in plain sight. The reptile is known to hiss and puff up its chest when confronted in an effort to appear larger and more dangerous that it really is known to be. Some species of the genus are known to squirt blood from its eyes and may reach a distance of 5 feet.

Desert Mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum )

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Desert Mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum ) or mesquite mistletoe, is a leafless parasitic plant which attaches itself to a host plant. The host plant is typically Ironwood, Mesquite, Palo Verde, or Acacia. The hemi parasitic plant, when attached, will remove water and nutrients from the host, however it still performs its own photosynthesis in the green stems.

Desert Mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum )
Desert Mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum )

The female Desert Mistletoe will produce small flowers in the winter months. It turn it will produce small clear or red colored berries which are consume by birds and therein the seeds are spread. A plant can grow up to to three feet in size and should several attached to a individual, they are capable of killing the tree.

The seeds can be utilized as a food source for humans as well and utilized by some Native American tribes. Typically, the seeds are only consued from plants growing on Ironwood, Acacia or Mesquite. The stems and remaining plant body should not be consumed as they are poisonous and a hallucinogenic. Each year, people die from consuming mistletoe seeking a “high”. For those of us, not of Native American ancestry it is not uncommon to harvest and sell this species of mistletoe around the holiday season.

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Temple Bar Campground

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Temple Bar Campgrond is located near Lake Mead
Lake Mead NRA

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located in southern Nevada, near the Arizona border and includes Hoover Dam, the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and the Black Canyon which is continually carved by the Colorado River. Temple Bar Campground is located in the back country of Mohave county, Arizona near Lake Mead on the southern shore of the reservoir. The campground is located across the water from Las Vegas. The further drive time from Vegas makes this campground a popular destination for boaters who wish to get away from it all.

The campground features 71 first come first serve campsites. The campsites feature tables, fire rings, and allow pets. Most of the sites have shade to provide some relief from the hot desert sun.

There are no sandy beaches as Temple Bar, however boat rentals offer water access and their are wonderful opportunities for fishing, hiking, water sports and star gazing.

This campground is operated by the National Park Service.

Campground Map

Campground Summary

NameTemple Bar Campground
LocationMohave County, Arizona
Latitude, Longitude36.031668, -114.325305
Elevation1,320 feet
Number of Sites71
AmenitiesAmphitheater, BBQ Grills, Boat Launch/Ramp, Store, Campground Host, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Fire Pit, Fire Rings, Grills, Tables, Flush Toilets

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Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

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Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)
Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

The Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a perennial herb and orange wildflower which is commonly found in Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona. This plant grows well in sandy or alkaline soil and found in creosote bush and desert chaparral habitats and typically grows between 1 – 3 feet tall and typically found at elevations up to 4000 ft.

The orange flowers of this plant grow in clusters at the end of the stem. It boasts broads leaves which are comprised on three lobes. Like other desert plants, the globemallow grows fast and fades faster, however, the flowers produce an abundance of nectar and commonly used by bees and other insects. The globe mallow is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant flowers in the spring, however with an adequate supply of rainfall, it is known to bloom almost year round.

Globemallow growing outside of Las Vegas
Globemallow growing outside of Las Vegas

Native Americans are known to have used the plant for a variety of medicinal purposes including the treatment of sore throats, eye disease and diarrhea. The roots of the plant would be used to treat upset stomachs and poultices where made for broken bones and swelling.

Other common names for this flower include apricot mallow, roughleaf apricot mallow, desert mallow, sore-eye poppy, mal de ojo, Parish mallow, desert hollyhock.