08/06/2026
Every trip into the New Mexico desert seems to reveal something new.
One plant that has really caught my attention this year is Desert Marigold (*Baileya multiradiata*). It has one of the longest blooming seasons of our native wildflowers, often flowering from spring well into fall when moisture cooperates. Its bright yellow blooms can light up roadsides and open desert for months, while its beautiful silver foliage reflects sunlight to help the plant conserve water, one of the many adaptations that allows it to thrive in our high desert climate.
Growing nearby is native verbena (*Glandularia* spp.), another beautiful wildflower commonly found along roadsides, trail edges, and other disturbed areas throughout New Mexico. The exact species varies depending on where you are, but they all add welcome color to the landscape and provide an important nectar source for native pollinators.
One of my favorite parts of living and working here is slowing down long enough to notice these plants. The desert has a reputation for being brown and dry, but if you pay attention, it's full of color, texture, and incredible adaptations.
What native wildflowers have you been noticing this summer?
