Natural History Wanderings

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR has the following wildflower bloom status report for March 14, 2014

As of March 14, the hills have a slight tinge of green and there are patches of a few poppy plants along the trails with several flowers.  There are also a few other tiny flowers such as filaree, fiddleneck, slender keeled fruit, and forget-me-nots that can be spotted here and there along the trails.

We had less than a half inch of rain over the winter but received another 3.5 inches two weeks ago!  The existing plants now have several flowers on them, and there are more buds.  There are young plants sprouting, but their shallow roots leave them vulnerable to late season freezes and early heat waves.  Mid April may be our peak, but it is not guaranteed due to the vulnerability of the young plants.

Related articles

• Antelope Valley Wildflower Update 3/3/14
• Antelope Valley Wildflower Update 2/23/14