Super Bloom: A Natural Wonder
After intense rainfall and cloud coverage, wildflowers are popping up all over America! A super bloom is a rare phenomenon that occurs when mass amounts of wildflowers bloom simultaneously, often in arid zones. Super blooms typically occur once every 10-15 years. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a wet winter or a fire that clears out old vegetation. Super blooms are a stunning sight to behold, and they can attract visitors from all over the world. This year’s California super bloom has been described as epic due to the massive amounts of precipitation that drenched much of the state in recent months.
Super Blooms Are Happening Even Here In South Florida
With our rainy season starting early this year, you might have noticed pretty flowers alongside the roads. When I exit off of Ochabee Blvd and enter downtown West Palm Beach, the wild blooms are everywhere. This pop of color from nature cannot help but put you in a great mood for the rest of the day.
Tip: Yellowwood sorrel, otherwise known as yellow oxalis or sour grass, is a wildflower that grows aggressively in Florida. Pretty to look at, however, it’s toxic to pets. So you will want to remove it from your yard.
With lots of flowers blooming around the USA comes lots of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, pollinators that are needed to continue the life cycle of plants and trees. Lots of responsibilities for the bees!
Some of the most famous super blooms in the world include:
- California’s wildflower super bloom:
This super bloom occurs in the deserts of California, and it is often triggered by a wet winter. The most recent super bloom before the current super bloom in California occurred in 2017, and it drew millions of visitors to the state. - The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in Iceland:
This lagoon is home to a variety of wildflowers, which bloom in a riot of colors in the summer months. The super bloom in Jokulsarlon is a relatively new phenomenon, and it is thought to be caused by climate change. - The Keukenhof tulip fields in the Netherlands:
These fields are home to millions of tulips, which bloom in a variety of colors in the springtime. The Keukenhof tulip fields are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Netherlands, and they are a must-see for any flower lover. - The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in California:
This reserve is home to millions of California poppies, which bloom in a sea of orange in the springtime. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a great place to see a super bloom, and it is relatively easy to get to from Los Angeles.
If you are lucky enough to experience a super bloom, be sure to take your time and enjoy the natural beauty. These events are a reminder of the power of nature, and they are a truly special sight to behold.
5 Essential Tips for Planning Your Super Bloom Adventure
Here are 5 tips for planning your trip to see a super bloom:
- Do your research:
There are many different super blooms that occur around the world, so be sure to do your research and find one that is right for you. - Plan ahead:
Super blooms can attract large crowds, so it is important to plan your trip ahead of time. - Be prepared for crowds:
If you are planning to visit a popular super bloom, be prepared for crowds. This means being patient, respectful of other visitors, and packing accordingly. - Take care of the environment:
Super blooms are a delicate ecosystem, so it is important to take care of the environment when visiting. This means staying on designated trails, not picking flowers, and disposing of waste properly. - Protect your pet:
Some super bloom flowers are dangerous to pets. Super blooms are a beautiful sight to behold, but it is important to be aware that some of the flowers that bloom during these events can be dangerous to pets. Some of the most common flowers that are toxic to pets include:
- Chrysanthemums: These flowers can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of coordination in dogs and cats.
- Amaryllis: All parts of this plant are toxic to pets, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.
- Lilies: All lilies are toxic to cats, and even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
- Tulips: Eating the cup-shaped flower may lead to convulsions, cardiac problems, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Daffodils: Eating these flowers can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in dogs and cats.
If you are bringing your pet to see a super bloom, it is important to keep them on a leash and supervised at all times.
With a little planning, you can enjoy a super bloom and experience the epic beauty of nature firsthand.