It is widely assumed from empirical observations that most are opportunistic and respond primarily to rain, but statistical analysis shows a number of unexpected differences and complexities. Some wild plants flower within the same narrow window every year independent of weather. The flowering peaks of others vary over a two-month period. Most plants under irrigation respond with an extended flowering season, but some are relatively unaffected by supplemental water. Knowledge gained on plant lifecycles is useful in a myriad of applications including pest and disease control and ethnobotanical studies.
Scientists can examine flowering and weather data to search for the triggers of phenological events.
Horticulturists can use information on plant phenology to plan seasonal flower displays in desert climates. The vegetative and flowering cycles of more than 200 plant taxa have been recorded over the past two decades in order to determine their seasonality. About 20 common native and unirrigated species have been recorded nearly continuously for more than 15 years. Ongoing since 1982. Janice E. Bowers and Mark A. Dimmitt.