April 29, 2019
By Les Conklin
Palo Verde Bloom South to North, Surprise Along the Way
Arizona’s state tree, the Palo Verde, is not alone as it blooms along the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, the northern-most section of Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Arizona. There is a new community of luxury villas springing forth.
The bad news is that in the short run the roadside view of the project is depressing. The good news is that steps have been taken to ensure that when completed the villas will blend with the character of our beautiful, popular and growing community.
“The Desert Foothills is a special place where the desert gradually rises to the mountains, creating slightly cooler temperatures and a lush landscape dotted with saguaro, palo verde, mequite, and chollas. The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive (Scenic Drive) was created to preserve, protect, and showcase the desert roadsides of this ‘special place,’ and thus, moderate future development, promote tourism, and create an asset that supports local businesses. Today, … the Scenic Drive also reflects the commitment of the City of Scottsdale and its residents to preserve their heritage and environment.” 55 Years Down the Road: A Brief History of the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, by Les Conklin, June 26, 2018
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Scottsdale Hights is being developed on the east side of the Scenic Drive at Scottsdale Road and Dove Valley Road. The gated community being constructed by K. Hovnanian Homes will feature one-story villa homes with an “array” of community amenities that include a pool, spa and more.
This large Palo Verde is located near the southern end of Scenic Drive on Scottsdale Road. Its name is pronounced PAH-low-VEHR-dee.
Scottsdale has established Scenic Corridor Guidelines that protect the Scenic Drive’s roadsides by establishing setbacks and providing rules for the appearnce of infrasture, such as these utility boxes in front of the Four Seasons project. The vegetative “line” along the Scenic Drive will also be restored and strenthened as part of development.
This massive Palo Verde is located on the northeast corner of Jomax Road on the Scenic Drive. The fence that protects the vegetation on the corner is painted to blend into the environment. The same color is used for utility boxes, poles and railings along the entire Scenic Drive.
There are five species of Palo Verde. The Foothills and Blue species are found along the Scenic Drive. The Foothills is the more common species. The Foothills Palo Verde can be distinguished from the Blue Palo Verde by its smaller leaves, one whitish petal, yellowish bark, and spine-tipped branchlets. This photograph was taken near the Scenic Drive Exhibit Area, between Happy Valley Road. and Jomax Road.
This photograph of the development site was taken in late April, 2019. Building hights, size, etc. are controlled by City of Scottsdale building guidelines, zoning ordinances and project stipulations. The intent of these restrictions is to protect natural roadside views and vegetation along the Scenic Drive. Prior to development native plants on the property are salvaged. Residents are concerned about the impact of development and tend to follow a project’s progress closely.
Many Palo Verde are beginning to bloom near the Scenic Drive’s Exhibit Area. The area is marked by a large monument with the words “Desert Foothills Scenic Drive.” The area is located on the east side of Scottsdale Road, south of Jomax Road (across the road from the entrance to MacDonald’s Ranch.
In addition to Palo Verde in bloom, the Scenic Drive’s Exhibit Area provides introductory information about local flora, fauna, climate and history. To the east, there are magnificent views of Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Mountains. In the 1950’s, this area was the site of a tiny Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department office. In the 1960s, Maricopa County establihed a Scenic Drive roadside park with picnic tables and restrooms. The City of Scottsdale and residents installed the exhibits in the mid-1990s.
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Scenic Drive Plant Exhibit Sign . This sign is located near the southern end of the Scenic Drive. It was originally installed in 1964 by residents of Maricopa County, Cave Creek, Carefree and Scottsdale. It’s message is easy to understand but a challenge to follow. The Scenic Drive is not part of a national park. The property that it passes through is some of the most valuable in Arizona and it owned by private citizens, businesses or the State Land Department. It will take a community working together to ensure this landmark survives for future residents and visitor.
Enjoy a scenic drive!
You still have time. The Palo Verde bloom has just reached the Scenic Drive. The elevation increases gently from approximately 1,100 feet at the southern entrance to the drive at Happy Valley Road (where these photos were taken) to 2,200 feet at Carefree Highway, the nortern-most point on the drive. Because of the gradual change in elevation and temperature from south to north, the trees and plants along the drive bloom at different times. As I write this, Palo Verde trees are begining to bloom near the southern end of the drive and the bloom will be slowly moving north in the weeks ahead.
PS. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the development of K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Scottsdale Hights. It is to the owner’s advantage to follow Scottsdale’s Scenic Corridor Guidelines and to also support the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. However, mistakes happen and some of them lead to very unscenic results.
Additional Information
Scenic Drive Plant Guide: Article
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Scottsdale Hights – Website
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