Californians Go Crazy Over Super Blooms

California Poppies Eschscholzia californica, Photo by Kathy Vilim,
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

It's windy, and gusty winds are chilly.  But we are patient, waiting with our small dog, for the winds to die down so we can photograph the blooms of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) Waving orange in the sun, poppies stretch by the thousands up hills and ridges welcoming spring. 

Dog Doodles enjoying Super Bloom, 2017

We are visiting the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (15101 Lancaster Road, Lancaster), the only parkland dedicated to California's state flower (designated March 2, 1903). Each spring, flower lovers drive up to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve to see the California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) in bloom. 

This year visitors are in for a treat. They can experience the Super Bloom, which was brought on by heavy rainfall this winter.  For the next 3 weeks visitors can still view the Super Bloom. To best enjoy the poppies, time your visit for mid-day on a sunny day because the petals close up when it is overcast or during late afternoon. 

Kathy Vilim Photographing California Poppies Eschscholzia californica,
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

What's blooming:

California poppies are not the only wildflowers blooming this year.  There are also filaree (pink), fiddleneck (yellow), slender keel fruit, wild parsley and lacy phacelia (light purple).  Soon goldfields and cream cups are expected, according to a recent Poppy Reserve/Mojave Desert Interpretive Assn. field report.

Another place to go to view wildflowers is the Saddleback Butte State Park, (17102 E. Ave. J in Lancaster) which is a bit higher up. Besides the wildflowers mentioned at Antelope Valley, they also have Joshua trees flowering now.  

North of Mojave, visit Red Rock Canyon State Park, on California Highway 14. It has a few slopes heavy in poppies, coreopsis and desert sunflowers and patches of other flowers, according to an email Wednesday from a state park ranger.

Saddleback Butte State Park, also in Lancaster, is a little drier and higher in altitude than the reserve. Still, wildflowers such as fiddlenecks, coreopsis, Mojave suncups, woolly daisies and red maids are blooming, according to the park's Facebook page. You can also see Joshua trees flowering as well. The park is at 17102 E. Ave. J in Lancaster.

for contact info: Mojave.Sector@parks.ca.gov

(661) 946-6092