Superbloom in California
Throughout California, vast expanses of fields are currently covered with vibrant flowers. Wildflower blooms during springtime in California are typical, but this year the abundance of flowers throughout the state has warranted national attention. Saturated colors of blue, yellow, purple, and red fill fields ranging from southern California to areas of San Francisco Bay. The range of the fields can even be seen from space, as has been reported from satellite images from areas such as the Carrizo Plain, which is currently stained a deep shade of purple. These fields can be seen in images of rolling hills to areas of Los Angeles County, where the flowers coat a patchwork of farmland and empty fields.
The cause of this natural anomaly can be found in the long seasons of drought experienced by the state prior to a series of extremely heavy rains during the past winter. The drought, researchers claim, was likely the cause of a decrease in the presence of invasive grasses and weeds throughout much of the California countryside. The drought was the harshest experienced on record, thus effectively eliminating any competing invasive species in the area. In the absence of these grasses, flower seeds have been allowed space to grow undisturbed. Dormant seeds often remain in the soil for years prior to blooming, adding to the abundance of the flowers seen throughout the countryside. Coupled with ideal conditions of adequate rainfall and mild temperatures, the wildflowers appeared in full force.
Though it appears that the blooms are a more modern occurrence, there is reason to believe that blooms were far more common centuries ago. As there were far fewer invasive species pervasive throughout the area, it is likely that blooms were a regular occurrence 300-400 years ago in similar regions. Wildflowers are now often impeded from blooming in full abundance due to a host of anthropogenic factors. The appearance of large masses to see the flowers are included in such factors, as trampling of the flowers can often prevent seeds from growing. With greater attention from social media and news sources, flower fields have seen hundreds of thousands of visitors thus far this year. The state has attempted to quell these excessive human incursions through limiting visitors in state and national parks, but unfortunately has been unable to prevent mass crowds in public wildflower fields.
Even with these human interferences, however, the intensity of the wildflower blooms has persisted. The blooms are especially fascinating to scientists and researchers, who seek to learn more about the nature of these super bloom occurrences. As well as bringing joy to California residents and visitors, the blooms help promote native biodiversity in the area, both in natural settings and in residents’ private gardens. With luck, this beautiful spring phenomena will continue to bring joy and excitement to residents for years to come.
By Celia Hughes