Coastal sage scrub in bloom and riparian habitat

The Pleasantly Pungent Odor Of Sage is filling the air wherever native vegetation grows on the county’s coastal and lower-foothill slopes. Most common are the black sage, with its tight clusters of small, white flowers; the grayish-leaved white sage; purple-blossomed, sweet-smelling Cleveland sage; and California sagebrush, characterized by soft, needle-like leaves.

Ocean Water Temperatures, of late in the high 50s Fahrenheit, are finally on the upswing this month as the daylight hours lengthen and the sun arcs higher overhead in the sky each day. It will take about five months of spring and summer sunshine before the ocean’s enormous mass and large heat capacity fully respond to the input of solar energy A maximum water temperature in the low to mid-70s is expected by August or September.

Sycamores on the left of the 163

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The Mix of Rain and Sunshine characteristic of the last few weeks has triggered the emergence of bright green leaves on sycamore, liquidambar, and other decorative deciduous trees around San Diego. Cruise down 163 through Balboa Park to appreciate the vernal splendor of the sycamores growing in the landscaped center divider. Or walk across the El Prado bridge and look down upon the same.