Wonder

Flower fields of Gorman Hills

Spring colors of Gorman Hills, California
Spring colors of Gorman Hills / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

WorldBlue  In short

Not too far from the famous Antelope Valley poppy meadows there is another well-known location where in spring-time often there can be observed magnificent florescence of celebrated Californian flowers – flower fields of Gorman Hills.

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GPS coordinates
34.79264 N 118.846951 W
Location, address
North America, United States, California, Los Angeles County, 100 km north-west from Los Angeles City, near Lebec, hillsides in both sides from Gorman Post Road
Alternate name
The Grapevine
Dominating species
California poppy ((Eschscholzia californica Cham.), Bentham lupine (Lupinus benthamii A.Heller) and others

Map of the site

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WorldYellow In detail

Brilliant blue and golden hillsides

When driving on the Interstate 5 highway in March – April drivers should be careful when passing by the Gorman Hills. Usually, these hills seem to be naked, grey, and deserted but in spring there happens a miraculous change – steep hillsides color in lively blue, yellow, and orange tints. Better don’t get carried away with the gorgeous sight and look at the road… or, if not in hurry, stop in a suitable place and enjoy this primeval fairness. (Beware of rattlesnakes, especially later in the spring, starting from late March!)

Better don’t get carried away with the gorgeous sight and look at the road… or, if not in hurry, stop in a suitable place and enjoy this primeval fairness.

Gorman Hills in spring, California
Gorman Hills in spring / , Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Most common flower species here are the yellow California tickseeds (Coreopsis californica (Nuttall) H. Sharsmith), blue Bentham lupines (Lupinus benthamii A.Heller), blue bluehead gilias (Gilia capitata Sims) and lacy phacelias (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.).

Orange accents are added by the beautiful California poppies (Eschscholzia californica Cham.) in many places forming larger golden-colored meadows.

Floral displays differ from year to year. Sometimes, if there has been a dry winter, there are few flowers but then, if there comes a rainy winter (with rain exactly when needed), the “lost years” are compensated.

Public organizations have called for the creation of a preserve north of Gorman Post Road in order to protect the beautiful wildflower fields.

 

References

  1. Enjoy California’s Open Spaces, Tejon Pass & Gorman Area, accessed on February 25, 2010.
  2. Photography by David Senesac, Gorman Hills Easter Eve Wall of Wildflowers, was accessed on February 25, 2010.
  3. A Vision for Keeping Flower Fields Forever, accessed on February 26, 2010.
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