Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) is in the Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies family (Asteraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,085 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Desert Marigold: observations by month (U.S.)
About Desert Marigold
Baileya multiradiata is a North American species of sun-loving wildflowers native to the deserts of northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. It has been found in the States of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Aguascalientes, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Desert Marigold by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 508 | April | Mar–May |
| Arizona | 290 | April | Mar–May |
| Utah | 114 | April | Apr–May |
| California | 101 | November | Oct–Nov |
| New Mexico | 63 | April | Apr–Jun |
| Texas | 9 | November | Nov–Jan |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies)
black-eyed Susan
Common Yarrow
White Snakeroot
Chicory
Lawn daisy
Philadelphia fleabane
Pearly Everlasting
Blue Mistflower
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Desert Marigold?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to May.
Where is Desert Marigold most often seen?
The most observations come from Nevada, Arizona, Utah.