Just got out of the early spring bloom in Anza Borrego and the surrounding desert. The desert was green, wet, windy and cool. This year is a good one. The cooler weather meant my travels to some areas hinted at massive blooms that were to come, but all together most areas were quite sleepy. Ocotillo was in full bloom, barrel cactus had started to bloom along with the Chuparosa and Mirabalis. Major desert medicinals sighted include Ocotillo, Elephant Tree, Desert Willow(just putting its leaves out), Ephedra, Chaparral(in bloom), Acalpha, Yerba Santa, Yerba Mansa, Chaparro, White Sage and many more. The desert was sleepy but very lush and this year promises to be a good one.
Please see further posts on specific plants for wildcrafting notes.