Preserving The Rare Beauty Of The Bear Claw Poppy In Washington County

If you see flowers blooming in the desert of Southern Utah, do not approach and give it some room. The bear claw poppy grows in Washington County and has been protected since 1979. You will know you have found it when you see a clump of white flowers. 

Surviving in Harsh Conditions: Gypsum Soil

The desert areas around the St. George area contains soils with gypsum, the same product used in drywall. There aren’t a lot of plants that can grow in these soils, and that is what makes the bear claw poppy special. 

Not only does this plant thrive in harsh Southern Utah conditions, it is also beautiful to look at. The poppy is an herb with dark green stems and an explosion of white flowers on the top. The blossoms look like the paw of a bear thus giving it its name. 

Protecting the Habitat: Why Distance Matters

It sinks its roots deep into the gypsum but only in soil that isn’t compacted. This is why it is important to stay back from the plant when you see it. Walking on the ground around it breaks up the crust and will make it hard for new plants to grow.  

There are areas of Washington County that have been set apart as poppy habitat. This includes the Bear Claw Poppy Trail System near Bloomington. This area is great for mountain biking, but it is important to stay on the designated trails. 

Read More: Look At This Giant Sinkhole Near Southern Utah Border

The White Dome area is another place where this endangered plant grows. Making others aware of the bear claw poppy can do much to keep the areas these plants protected and growing. It can also be a treat to see one in the wild.