The Second Spring

While much of the country is making the transition from summer into fall, Placitas (and much of New Mexico) is entering what is called, “The second spring.” The summer rains produce this second growing period and grace New Mexico with some spectacular and colorful wildflowers.

©2002 Gary W. Priester
The flowers of the Globe Mallow are cross between orange and apricot and contrast nicely with the pale gray green leaves.

©2002 Gary W. Priester
Close up of the Rabbit Bush flowers.

©2002 Gary W. Priester

Nothing can quite match the intensity of the Paintbrush flower. It’s bright coral red flowers dot the hills and are often found growing alongside the Gramma grass.

©2002 Gary W. Priester

This attractive star-shaped flower is of the Horse Nettle plant, a member of the tomato family and produces yellow berries after the flowers are gone.

©2002 Gary W. Priester
Mounds of Purple Aster appear everywhere in the fall.

©2002 Gary W. Priester

Rabbit Bush, also called Chamisa, is found all over the Placitas area and most of the state as well. In the fall, golden yellow blossoms appear in the ends of the silver gray branches.

©2002 Gary W. Priester

Jolly Sunflowers brighten the side of the road in most of the state and line Highway 165 which runs through the center of Placitas. This variety grows up to 5 feet.

©2002 Gary W. Priester

You almost need sunglasses to look at the intensely bright blossoms of the Four O'clock which grows in wild abundance in La Mesa where this photo was taken.