The Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills -- This rock arch perfectly frames Mount Whitney in the center opening.
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Bishop Field Office

Wildflower Update – April 2013

April 12, 2013

Unfortunately it has been another dry winter in the Owens Valley. I did notice some bitterbrush shrubs blooming along Highway 395 on the Sherwin Grade.

So far in the Bishop area not much is blooming but it may be still a little early for somethings.
It has been reported that a few things are starting to bloom in the Alabama Hills, but no fantastic displays to speak of yet.
 
Overall I am not expecting any large displays in the Owens Valley, but similar to last year I would expect some localized hotspots. As I get out and about more I will try and will try post updates of places where there are few things blooming.

To see what is blooming in other areas of California visit the Theodore Payne Foundations Wildflower Hotline

 

General Wildflower viewing information for the Eastern Sierra 

Peak blooming periods for wildflowers in the Eastern Sierra and surrounding Deserts.
(PDF 201KB)

Alabama Hills in bloom, golden llinanthus in bloomThe Volcanic tablelands (PDF 101KB) can radiate swathes of yellow and fuschia from the venus blazing star and purple mat. Learn more about the many recreation opportunities and the cultural significance of the area. The Alabama Hills (PDF 85KB) are host to fragrant fields of evening snow interspersed by scarlet locoweed and golden linanthus. Learn more about the history of the Alabama Hills.

 

Along the drainages and in recently burned areas entire hillsides can be covered in blue swathes of the Inyo bush lupine which has a distinctive grape soda smell. The spring bloom can extend on a good year, from early April through the beginning of June at the lower elevations, and then start again at the 7,000 ft. level in the sagebrush communities of Mono County, where the alkali shooting star, and rare alkali ivesia begin to bloom in early to mid June. See listing of wildflowers in the Bodie Hills area, north of Mono Lake (PDF 101KB).

For more information on where to see wildflowers and what's blooming, contact the BLM Bishop Field Office botanist at (760) 872-5035.

 

   
Last updated: 04-12-2013