As we hiked higher into Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Range near Tuscon, more varieties of wildflowers were around every canyon in mid-March. All photos taken by the author.

Parry’s penstemon is the superstar of March in the desert canyons. It is also used in home gardens, tolerating xeriscape plantings.

Scorpionweed (phacelia crenulata) was abundant along the trail. Handling it can cause dermatitis so its best left alone. Other names for this variety are cleftleaf wldheliotrope, scalloped phacelia, caterpillarweed, and notch-leaf scorpion-weed.

Shrubby deervetch (lotus rigidus) has an upright, shrubby form, with yellow or orange flowers in spring. Other names include Wiry Lotus, Broom Bird’s-foot Trefoil, and Desert Rockpea.

Manzanita is a perennial evergreen shrub that grows to 6 feet. It has leathery leaves, smooth reddish-brown bark and produces pink urn shaped flowers in spring, followed by red berries.

Desert phlox (phlox tenuifolia) is a showy perennial that grows in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Other names are Santa Catalina Mountain Phlox and Vine Phlox.

Gilia longiflora is also called Flaxflowered Ipomopsis, Long-flowered Gilly, Blue Gilia, or Blue Trumpets. It is an annual or a biennial. White or pale-blue flowers bloom in spring or summer.

Fairyduster (calliandra eriophylla) is a perennial shrub that grows in the uplands. It is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.

Saguaros are abundant in the Sonoran Desert. They are slow-growing and it may take 74 years to form one arm. This one had many arms and some unique growth characteristics.

More posts from Sonoran Desert mountain hikes will follow.