Wonder
Flower fields of Gorman Hills
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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Map of the site
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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.
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
- Enjoy California’s Open Spaces, Tejon Pass & Gorman Area, accessed on February 25, 2010.
- Photography by David Senesac, Gorman Hills Easter Eve Wall of Wildflowers, was accessed on February 25, 2010.
- A Vision for Keeping Flower Fields Forever, accessed on February 26, 2010.
Flower fields of Gorman Hills are included in the following list:
Linked articles
Wonders of California
Although California is one of the states in the United States of America, Americans often compare it to a separate country, e.g. “if California would be a country, it would have the eighth largest economy in the world”. We can go on with this comparison – California has more landmarks and attractions than many large countries of the world.
Top 10 locations of California poppy meadows and fields
California poppy meadows belong to the most impressive wildflower displays in the world. Their unusually clear and brilliant color seems to come from another, better reality. This flower has created a passion that is rare elsewhere in the world. Many Californians are obsessed with “wildflower hunting” – search of beautiful meadows, photographing, and just pure enjoyment of beauty.
Wonders of the United States
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world and offers a wide array of diverse attractions: many are unsurpassed in the world. Highlights of the United States are cliffs, canyons, and rock formations, several impressive downtowns of cities with numerous skyscrapers as well as a rich array of geothermal features, and the giant forest of California.
Recommended books
A Field Guide to the Plants of the San Emigdio Mountains Region of California
The plant life of the San Emigdio Mountains Region is rich and varied due to its location at the junction of the Mojave, Great Central Valley, the Sierra Nevada, and central Coast Range ecoregions. The 8,800 foot Mount Pinos, considered the center of the universe for the Chumash people, stands at the center of the region and overlooks a broad area of the Los Padres National Forest including Frazier Mountain and the Gorman Hills along Interstate 5, famous for its fabulous wildflower displays.
Afoot and Afield: Los Angeles County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide
Jerry Schad is your knowledgeable and reliable guide for the 192 trips in this book–ranging from gentle family walks in Griffith Park to strenuous treks over the spine of the San Gabriel Mountains. Whether you see solace from the crowds, a cardiovascular workout, or a new perspective of the natural world around you, this book provides all you need to know.
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