California Desert “Superbloom” Is Rare and Beautiful

Natural Society

The California desert landscape is usually barren, but right now it’s bursting with color thanks to a “superbloom” of wildflowers. 

Source: SFGate

The superbloom – a term used to describe an explosion of wildflowers that exceeds normal spring blooms – has transformed the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southeastern California into a rainbow of greenery, poppies, primroses, and lilies.

Kathy DeMunck, an assistant manager at the desert’s nature center, explained earlier this month:

“What’s happened in the last four or five days is extraordinary. We really haven’t had this kind of a bloom since 2005. The desert has really come alive.” 

The blast of color is the result of an uncharacteristically rainy fall and winter season that may have brought California’s drought to an end. Seven inches fell in Anza-Borrego, the largest state park in California. Cold winter temps sealed more moisture in the ground.

The annuals in the desert will burst to life every spring, but their colorful presence is short-lived. It’s difficult for annuals to survive in harsh desert conditions, so the seeds lie dormant for years and only sprout when water strips them of their protective coating.

If you want to see the desert superbloom for yourself, visit the park early in the morning, before the warmth of the day causes the flowers to close. You’ll also beat the massive crowds.

Briana Puzzo, education manager for the Anza-Borrego Foundation, a nonprofit partner and fundraiser for the park, says:

“There’s going to be a lot of visitors coming to the same area, so we would recommend coming midweek if possible.”

Better hurry; superblooms typically only last until late March.

Sources:

National Geographic

Inquisitr

SFGate

Fox 5 San Diego