Apache Plume in Wupatki National Monument

APache Plume on the High Desert

Apache Plume on the High Desert

The Apache Plume is a true desert plant, found in all four southwestern United States’ desert regions – Sonoran, Chihuahuan, Mojave, and Great Basin. Though it has white, five petaled flowers (very much like the wild rose I see throughout the Midwest) the true fascination I have with this plant comes from its thick, wild, silky seed heads – pink fluffy plumes that look very frazzled and blow in even the slightest of winds.

Talk about always having a bad hair day!!!

These plants, little shrubs actually, were in bloom all over the high desert when we were traveling in early October. I admired them while hiking near Wupatki National Monument, about 40 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona.

This desert stuff – there is much to admire!

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. suehenryphotography says

    Bad hair day. Perfect description!

  2. Neat, glowy and pink strands in its frazzled way. 🙂

  3. This reminds me of rice noodles. (It must be getting close to lunch time.) I love the shot.

  4. That is sure a wild wildflower!!!

  5. I have to agree with you about desert stuff. I hope to get out to some desert somewhere in the next year.

    I think the Apache Plume has better hair than I do. 😉

    Very cool shot, Bo. I like the way the strands almost look electric.

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