Super bloom substitute: Where to see California wildflowers even in drier years
California’s slightly drier water year is bad news for fans of the super blooms.
“Super bloom” is the common term for when many wildflowers bloom in a short span of time, bringing bright color to landscapes. The phenomenon is typically associated with parks in Southern California.
Last month, California State Parks warned parkgoers to expect a “limited bloom” this spring.
Those looking to get their fill of flowers this year still have some options, though.
“While there tend to be impressive wildflower blooms in desert parks in Southern California on a good rainfall year, in Northern California, you can still count on at least some nice blooms even in years with below-average rainfall,” the state parks department said.
Here are the spots the department suggests wildflower watchers check out.
Mount Tamalpais
California State Parks said that the blooms at Mount Tamalpais just north of San Francisco are currently “bigger, bolder, and more abundant.”
The agency suggests nature lovers be on the lookout for these colorful plants:
- California Goldenbanner
- Musk Brush
- Umbrellawort
- Calypso orchids
- Warrior’s Plume
- Wooly Indian Paintbrush
- Pacific Houndstongue
- Shooting Stars
Trione-Annadel State Park
The state parks department said this month that visitors to Trione-Annadel State Park just outside Santa Rosa can spot a number of flowers in bloom, including:
- Buttercups
- Shooting Star,
- Purple Larkspur
- Common Star Lily
- Checker Lily
- Pacific Hound’s Tongue
The agency also said that in April yellow Mariposa Lilies, Ookow, and Red Larkspur will also start to appear.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Lastly, the parks department suggests people visit the eastern side of Samuel P. Taylor State Park to see Pacific Hound’s Tongue and Milkmaids.
The state parks department also reminds visitors to respect the landscape by not trampling or picking flowers.