Wildflowers in the Central Region of California

Frequently Asked Questions about Wildflowers

Where can I go to see wildflowers in the Central Region?

• There are many places to see flowers throughout the blooming season.

When is the best time to view wildflowers?

• In most areas, spring is the best time to view wildflowers, but the dates vary each year due to weather patterns.  In general, higher elevations reach peak bloom later than lower elevations.  To find out what is blooming at a given time, call or check the wildflower hotlines.

How can I find out about wildflower field trips in my area?

• Local land trusts, nature centers, and conservation organizations offer field trips. Here are some links arranged by county.

Where can I get help identifying a wildflower?

• See References
• There are eight CNPS chapters in the Central Region.  Contact the one serving your county: www.cnps.org/cnps/chapters/
• Try your local college or university.

Where can I find photographs of California plants?

• Calphotos is the most comprehensive source.
• See also References

What are some good references about wildflowers in our area?

• Wildflower References

Why aren't there good wildflower displays every year?

• Many of our wildflowers are annuals, meaning that the plants die at the end of the growing season.   They produce seeds one year that sprout the next time the conditions are right.  Our variable weather means that conditions are not right every year.  Sufficient rainfall is needed at the appropriate times in the growing season, and temperature plays a role, too. 

Where can I pick wildflowers?

• Sorry, but you shouldn’t pick them anywhere.  You will enjoy them for only a short while, but by picking them you may damage the long-term health of the population.  Besides, it’s against the law, even on roadsides. Take pictures instead!  

How does DFG control weeds?

• There are more than 1,000 non-native plants in California that are naturalized (growing without cultivation).  Many of these plants are invasive, choking out our native plants and reducing habitat quality for animals. We use various forms of management to control invasive plants on DFG lands, including grazing, hand-pulling, and the judicious use of herbicides.

Where can I find lists of plants that grow on DFG lands?

• www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/SpeciesList/Default.aspx

Which plants are rare?

• The California Natural Diversity Database maintains a list of all rare plants (PDF) in the state.

How many rare plants are in the Central Region?

• There are 640 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species in the 12 counties that make up the Central Region, according to the California Native Plant Society’s Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants, 7th Edition. This represents 29% of the 2,177 rare plants in the state and includes plants on CNPS lists 1A through List 4.  For definitions of the lists, see:
  • www.cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/inventory/names.php
  • http://cnps.web.aplus.net/cgi-bin/inv/inventory.cgi/BrowseAZ?name=LIST

Where can I get more information on rare plants?

• The DFG Rare Plant Program home page.

How can I keep deer from eating my garden?

• See the Gardener's Guide to Preventing Deer Damage (PDF).