Natural History Wanderings

Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve reported

Contrary to the news articles, this is not a “superbloom” year. While there is no definition of what a superbloom is, when many people envision one at the Poppy Reserve, they think of carpets of poppies over the hillsides that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is not one of those years. It is clear that more time will not improve the bloom conditions. Some poppies are already producing seed capsules. Visitors will be wowed with lots of wildflowers, especially owl’s clover, but not acres of poppies. That being said, it is GORGEOUS. How long will the bloom last? That entirely depends on the weather. If we get warmer temperatures, the bloom may be over sometime in April. If it is cooler, the bloom could last longer. Only the Mojave desert knows.