Poppies and Ocotillos – Saguaro National Park

In the spring of each year, if the rainfall during the winter is sufficient, the Arizona desert breaks into bloom. Typically, the flowers have only about 3-4 weeks to grow, bloom, and produce seeds, before the weather becomes too hot. The result is that most flowers are in bloom at the same time, giving a spectacular show, and a shock to those who think of the desert as a barren place.

The ocotillo is not a cactus, but rather a woody plant that produces leaves after a rain. Its spiny stems are often used to form fences.