The severe winter weather that hit California in recent months means that some mountains and trails in The Golden State are now experiencing a series of massive blooms.
This is known as a wildflower bloom or super bloom and occurs when wet weather conditions such as snow and heavy rains set in after long periods of intense drought. The state experienced the same phenomenon in 2017 and 2019.
Now's the time to take a trip to California to see gorgeous wildflowers in full bloom during a rare "super bloom." pic.twitter.com/HwQehhzlia
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) April 24, 2023
NASA shows a "vibrant view of the bloom"
The Californian landscape was filled with flowers in shades of orange, yellow and purple so striking that they are visible from space. NASA's Earth Observatory captured the spectacle showing a "vibrant view of the bloom." The agency called it "a parade of poppies" and detailed that the yellow flowers were beginning to "pop out" to replace the golden orange ones that had dominated the previous week.
These blooms occur sporadically in Southern California. In Northern California, the phenomenon is "way more patchy," Valerie Eviner, professor of plant sciences at the University of California, Davis, told The Hill.
California bursts into wildflower "super bloom" after relentless storms https://t.co/INJWHnWgYM pic.twitter.com/KgeQUC6SGI
— The Hill (@thehill) April 23, 2023
Where to see the flowers
The top bloom sites recommended by the official Los Angeles Public Trails Guide are Mount Tamalpais State Park, China Camp, and the Anza-Borrego Desert.
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The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve has "passed its peak," the Parks Department stated. Users and outlets on social media have shared images of the massive bloom.
SUPER BLOOMS 💐
A field of poppies and other wildflowers bloom near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster. Photos by Aude Guerrucci/Reuters pic.twitter.com/1EJZ0l13Au
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) April 16, 2023
Another must-see destination promoted by the department is the Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy "a beautiful variety of wildflowers blooming over the next month, including Lacy Phacelia lavender and bright yellow desert dandelions."
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