A “superspring” blankets California in flowers after weeks of torrential rains

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."