Will California see a superbloom this spring? Here’s where to spot wildflowers
It might not be officially spring yet, but wildflowers are already blossoming in California.
“Right as you reach the end of February and the rain starts to taper off, that’s when we get the biggest bloom,” said Ryan Forbes, interpreter for California State Parks’ Bay Area District.
This year, the display could be especially colorful.
“The wildflower season is expected to be an impressive one,” State Parks said in a March news release, “and California State Parks is asking all visitors to enjoy them responsibly.”
What is a superbloom?
During the spring, massive blooms of wildflowers can sometimes be seen in spots across California. This stunning natural display is often referred to as a superbloom.
But it’s not a scientific phenomenon, Forbes said.
“Particularly in desert areas, people see lots of blooms all at once, but then they tend to apply it all over the place and say, ‘A superbloom’s happening,’” he said. “It’s not really a term that we use. I tend to say we’re having a good year for flowers.”
Will we see big wildflower blooms in California?
Heavy winter rains bode well for the year’s wildflower blooms, Forbes said.
The Central Coast and Southern California tend to see more dramatic flower displays because rain is less common in those climates.
When there’s precipitation in drier areas, budding plants will make use of the water, resulting in a widespread bloom, Forbes said.
Rain is more common in Northern California, so the flowers are “less desperate” for it, he said.
The intensity of the blooms varies depending on what part of the state you’re in.
“What makes California so cool is that we have so many different types of environments — deserts, woodlands, grasslands — all kind of mixed in,” Forbes said.
That means you might see a field of colorful flowers in one spot while another area might not have as many blossoms.
The situation isn’t “one size fits all,” he said.
Where can I see wildflowers in California this spring?
You can catch the sight of colorful blooms this season at many spots throughout California.
Some of the best places to see wildflowers, according to the California Native Plant Society and California State Parks, include:
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Wildflowers were blooming at Borrego Springs along Henderson Canyon Road at the San Diego County park as of March 5, according to State Parks.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: Wildflower season at this Los Angeles County spot typically starts in mid-February and runs through May. The timing and intensity of the poppies vary, the reserve said on its website.
Carrizo Plain National Monument: This location in southeastern San Luis Obispo County is “one of the premier locations for wildflowers in California,” the California Native Plant Society said. The area is home to poppies, baby blue eyes, lupine and tidy tips as well as rare flowers such as California jewelflower and Munz’s tidy tips.
Folsom Lake State Recreational Area: Wildflowers bloom in the spring at Folsom Lake, according to Devin Swartwood, an interpreter for the California State Parks’ Gold Fields District.
Auburn State Recreational Area: Swartwood recommended this area for folks living in Northern California. According to its website, you can find “acres of wildflowers such as monkey flowers, fiddleneck, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, lupine and brodiaea” in the spring.
Mount Tamalpais State Park: Forbes said one of the best places to see wildflowers in the Bay Area is Mount Tamalpais. It also features stunning views of the bay.
Bear Valley Wildflower Access: In Colusa County, you can do a self-guided car tour of the wildflowers. “In the springtime months, the area around Bear Creek is alive with wildflowers of all kinds including tidy tips, pineapple weed, Indian clover, owl clover (and) silver puffs,” according to Tuleyome, a local nonprofit conservation organization.
What kinds of wildflowers can I see in California?
You can find a variety of wildflowers across forests, fields, grasslands and deserts in California.
If you’re in a redwood forest, Forbes said, you may see redwood sorrel or trilliums, known for their three petals. In grassland areas, you’ll likely see California poppies.
At Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, Forbes said you can find trillium, as well as redwood violets and shooting stars — delicate white, pink and purple blossoms that dangle from their stems.
While at Trione-Annadel State Park in Sonoma County, you may find Ithuriel’s Spear, a purple, star-shaped flower in the lily family, or Forbes’ favorite flower, the monkey flower, which is red-orange, small and tubular.
In the Central Coast, common wildflowers include fireweed, Robert’s geranium and Northern starflower.
If you’re in Southern California, you can often find Douglas Iris, sky lupine and sticky monkey flowers.
Tips for viewing flowers responsibly
If you plan to visit wildflower country, be sure to respect the area and protect the delicate blossoms.
Swartwood said that a lot of people come to see the bloom but will step on the flowers and lay on them.
“It ruins the experience for everyone else,” Swartwood said. “Once you do that, it kills the flowers and that’s it for the season.”
Instead, you should stay on the trail and avoid walking on or among the flowers.
If you’re in an area that permits dogs, State Parks says, keep them on a leash and away from flower fields.
Stay off private property and be careful where you park. Also, check weather conditions before going and understand your body’s limitations if you’re headed out to a park.
The California Native Plant Society advises that you also follow rules and signage; pick up any trash and take only pictures — not flowers.
“Make the experience last much longer for a lot of people to enjoy,” Swartwood said.
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