This view is along the "Guy Fleming" trail in Torrey pines State Reserve. Spring of 2001 was one of the better wildflower blooms of recent years. There are not many places left along the Southern Cailfornia coast that hosts such natural beauty. If you plan on visiting please enjoy the park to its fullest; however, please do not pick the wildflowers. Let others enjoy the blloms as well and ensure that they may reproduce in abundance for years to come.

California Poppy (Eschscholtzia californica), the California State flower, is one of our favorites. Blooming from February through September, its greatest bloom is generally in late spring and early summer along the coast. With vibrant orange flowers (sometimes yellow at the tips of each petal, or yellowish orange, or rarely seen in a creamy color) this little perennial can put on a real show and is often seen in mass. Make note though, the flowers do not open on cloudy days and often close up by late afternoon on sunny days. Its habitat is open areas, such as grassy fields, and can be found from southern California to southern Washington.

For one of the most spectacular displays of wild California Poppies, try the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. At approximately 1,700 acres the spring wildflower bloom can be incredible!

Note: Please do not attempt to dig up these little gems, their tap root is long and they are better left for future generations.

For general wildflower information try GardenWeb.com. Excellent resource.