Introduction to Wildflower Bloom
This season’s wildflower bloom in Southern California state parks is expected to be small due to below-average winter rainfall, according to California State Parks.
Wildflower growth depends on a delicate mix of weather factors, including the right amount of rain, sunlight, seasonal temperature patterns and winds.
Current Weather Conditions
“The past couple of storms have only dropped 0.6 inch of rain, not enough to significantly improve poppy germination rates,” said Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in a Facebook post.
The poppy reserve has received significantly less rainfall this fall and winter season (image on left) compared to 2017 (image on right) where they witnessed an extraordinary bloom.
Credit: California State Parks
Impact on Wildflower Bloom
Despite the light bloom, the park said it will still offer diverse wildlife outdoor recreation opportunities.
“The best trail to hike for flowers is the ADA trail,” the park said in a statement. “This trail has baby poppies and miniature lupine growing slowly and may be a good trail in 3 or so weeks.”
Alternative Recreation Opportunities
Visitors can still enjoy the park’s other attractions, such as hiking, bird-watching, and photography, even if the wildflower bloom is not as vibrant as in previous years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lack of rainfall in Southern California has resulted in a delayed and potentially smaller wildflower bloom in state parks. However, the parks still offer a range of outdoor activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy.
FAQs
What is causing the delay in the wildflower bloom?
The delay in the wildflower bloom is due to below-average winter rainfall in Southern California.
Are there still things to do at the park if the wildflowers are not blooming?
Yes, the park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird-watching, and photography.
Which trail is recommended for seeing wildflowers?
The ADA trail is recommended, as it has baby poppies and miniature lupine growing slowly and may be a good trail in 3 or so weeks.
