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State Parks prepares for possible wildflower superbloom

Posted at 3:08 PM, Feb 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-22 01:50:53-05

California State Parks is getting ready for a possible superbloom this spring.

State Parks officials explain these rare floral displays may occur during years of heavy rainfall that follow a drought. The drought eliminates grasses and weeds that take up nutrients, thereby creating conditions in which wildflowers thrive.

The last time the state experienced a superbloom was in 2017.

On the Central Coast, Shell Creek Rd. east of Santa Margarita and the Carrizo Plain National Monument attracted thousands of people eager to see the multicolored display.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area Photo courtesy California State Parks)

 

State Parks says it’s impossible to predict exactly where, when or even if wildflowers will bloom this year, but the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular are popular sites for wildflower viewing. Park goers may be able to see flowers like California poppies, sand verbena, desert sunflower, evening primrose, popcorn flowers, or desert lilies.

State Parks has created a website with a list of parks, wildflower bloom information, park rules and tips at www.parks.ca.gov/WildflowerBloom.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Photo courtesy California State Parks)