The cactus is a common flowering plant of the Southwest desert.
In the American Southwest (which includes New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and sections of California and Texas), the hot dry landscape is softened by the many types of flowers native to the habitat. These flowers bloom in bright colors and varied shapes. Does this Spark an idea?
Orange/Yellow Coloring
The California poppy has small, leathery leaves and orange flowers. The fishhook barrel cactus is cylindrical with yellow fruit and reddish spines. Boasting a yellow center, the black foot daisy has white flowers and grows on a low, bushy plant.
Red/Pink Coloring
A mounding shrub, autumn sage usually has red or pink flowers and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Scarlett hedge nettle attracts them too, and bees as well. Its deep red flowers contrast with its dark green foliage. Penstemon carries bright pink trumpet-shaped flowers on tall spikes, and also is irresistible to aforementioned winged creatures.
Blue/Purple Coloring
Balloon flower is another bumblebee and hummingbird favorite; they adore the tiny blue-pink flowers. Desert larkspur's bell-shaped flowers cover stems that can be up to 24 inches tall. The small flowers of the desert sand verbena grow in tight clumps on stems that trail on the sand for up to 3 feet.
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