April 16 , 2010. Wildflower Map

Dry conditions and intruding grass have hindered the growth in some of Kern’s more popular wildflower viewing spots, but a few hearty locations still remain.

The big attraction this week continues to be the Carrizo Plain National Monument, which straddles the Kern and San Luis Obispo County lines. The corridor along Soda Lake Road is filled with color as goldfields, hillside daisies, tickseed and tidy tips continue to flourish.  Look west of Soda Lake Road in the Washburn Ranch area for California poppies, and along Selby Camp Road for bush lupine, goldenbush, owl’s clover and peppergrass. You can also expect to find fiddleneck, gilia, phacelia and owl’s clover at the north end of the monument near State Route 58. 

Wind Wolves Preserve near Maricopa reports the valley floor is drying quickly and grasses are taking over the hillsides, but there are still a few patches of color in the San Emigdio Canyon area. Look for fiddleneck, lupine and poppies among the blooms. This area is privately controlled so contact Wind Wolves at (661) 858-1115 for hours of operation and current information.

 

The Grapevine along I-5 is decorated with patches of coreopsis along with a few California poppies. At the base of the Grapevine, lupine still lines both sides of the freeway.

 

State Route 223 from the city of Arvin east to State Route 58 continues to be a prime viewing area. Fiddleneck, lupine, owl’s clover and popcorn flower can all be seen here, along with some scattered phacelia. Turning east on State Route 58, expect to find goldfields toward Hart Flat.

 

In the Kern River Valley, the bird's eye gilia can still be seen on the hills above Wofford Heights, with plenty of owl's clover now appearing. Further east near Kernville there are reports of coreopsis, Indian paintbrush, lupine, popcorn flower, poppies, red maids and slender keel fruit. Keysville South is peaking with displays of cream cups mixed with baby blue eyes, popcorn flower and red maids.

 

Fields of bird’s eye gilia and owl’s clover decorate the slopes west of the Kern River along State Route 178 below Lake Isabella. You’ll also find bird’s eye gilia, goldfields, miniature lupine and owl’s clover along Kern Canyon Road.

 

It’s not too early to make your plans for the 16th Annual Kern River Valley Spring Nature Festival, taking place May 1 at the Audubon Kern River Preserve in Weldon. The festival includes a number of free activities including birding walks, workshops and exhibits. Keynote speaker for the event is naturalist and noted author David Lukas. Call the preserve at (760) 378-2531 for details.

 

As you travel through Kern County, please respect all signs regarding accessibility and do not trespass on private property to view wildflowers. Picking wildflowers is illegal and interferes with pollination. Please enjoy the blooms responsibly.

This report is also available by telephone via the 24-hour “Wildflower Hotline” at 661-322-WILD. To submit your own sightings call 800-500-KERN, email us with the location and common name of your discovery, or use the blog link on this page.