California superbloom carpets landscape in color
California superbloom appears after record rainfall
What some are calling the year of the superbloom is underway in the Golden State. Fields of colorful wildflowers are bursting to life after years of drought in California. It’s a spectacular sight, as Mother Nature puts on a show of shows, in celebration of record rainfall.
The Theodore Payne Foundation Wild Flower Hotline – now in its 40th year – is providing weekly updates on the best superbloom locations in Southern and Central California.
Do you have a photo of this year’s superbloom in California? Submit it to EarthSky community page!
Just a couple scenes from the last couple days. The wildflowers in Central California are going NUTS right now! pic.twitter.com/3MerkHBv3C
— Carter Murphy ?8?? (@cartermurphy218) April 10, 2023
The California wildflower #SUPERBLOOM on full display driving through #CarrizoPlainNationalMonument
Breathtaking ?? pic.twitter.com/jopmwpAIDM— JoesLAAdventures (@JoeHollywoodLA) April 9, 2023
It's a carpet of orange in the Antelope Valley north of LA today as a "superbloom" of California Poppies emerges. The wet winter has helped the poppy flourish — so much so you can see the bloom from space. Just don't trample them if you visit. #superbloom #poppies @kcalnews pic.twitter.com/UqnKPpgro7
— John Schreiber (@johnschreiber) April 10, 2023
The California superbloom from space
Floral display needs a drought to set the stage
Mother Nature needs a drought before she can cover the deserts, plains and hills with astonishing hues. As meteorologist Heather Waldman at KCRA New in Sacremento, California explained back in February:
A prolonged period of drought sets the stage. Several years’ worth of drier-than-average conditions causes wildflower seeds to lay dormant and build up rather than bloom. The drier conditions also prevent weeds and other vegetation from overgrowing, leaving more nutrients in the soil.
Superblooms are more frequent in Southern California, where conditions are generally drier. But it looks as if Northern California and the coastal regions will see their share of color, too, in this 2023 wildflower season.
The San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Nevada are getting in on the act, of course.
Bottom line: A California superbloom is underway for 2023. Drought conditions followed by copious rain led to this beautiful outburst of wildflowers.
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