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Blossoms transform the New Mexico desert

Just one surge of late spring rain over the New Mexico desert is all it takes to replace the drab shades of winter with the vibrancy of flower blooms. New Mexico ranks number four in plant diversity in the nation- and the spring and summer seasons exhibit the most dramatic transformation in full color.

The unique adaptations of high-elevation desert plants such as cacti, require rain to ‘wake up’ and burst into life. Prickly pear, tree cholla, devil’s cholla and claretcup brighten the landscape with their red, violet, yellow and orange hues. These flowers provide an oasis for pollinators and other insects. Later in the season, the fruits of these plants serve as food for rabbits, squirrels, birds, beetles and deer.

Other plants bloom at a slower pace. In a ponderosa pine forest, penstemon and three-nerved daisies flower from early spring to late summer. In piñon-juniper woodlands and desert sites, milkvetch, Indian paintbrush, fleabane, primrose and gilia ornament the landscape. Many of these blooms provide food for certain pollinators. Evening primrose is almost exclusively pollinated by moths, particularly the hummingbird moth.

Historically, New Mexican plants have been used for medicine, spiritual practices and for sustenance. The Pueblo of Jemez used Indian Paintbrush to prevent spoilage of chili seeds because the plant’s chemical properties act as a natural pest repellent. To this day, prickly pear pads, or “nopales”, are commonly eaten while their fruits can be made into tasty jam or lemonade. This versatile plant was also used a precursor to modern-day first aid medicine. The gel within the cactus pads soothe burns and open wounds, while the spines can serve as suture needles to close a wound. The Navajo considered globemallow the “Life Medicine” as it was used for colds, headaches and for stimulating appetite.

Spring and summer open up many opportunities to truly enjoy nature and its history. Visiting public lands allows people to connect with their environment, so ignite your inner botanist and get outside!

Story and photos by Annie Montes, Associate Ecologist, and Alec Bryan, Rangeland Management Specialist.

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Blossoms transform the New Mexico desert