Close up pictures of flowers and of flowering trees

These pictures of flowers were taken in various places – gardens, parks, and streets in Southern California. Usually, this area gets most of its rainfall during winter and early spring. This is the best time to visit – it is not too hot to walk around, there is less smog and no smoke from wildfires. Spring is a perfect season to see beautiful botanical gardens, streets with flowering trees and especially wildflowers outside of the cities.

papaver nudicaule spring blossom Orange Poppy Close-up picture — Orange poppy flower opening up, papaver nudicaule.

Wild California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) also known as golden poppy, flame flower or copa de oro (a cup of gold) in Spanish is the official state flower of California. This poppy plant is native to the Western US and blooms from March till October if there is enough moisture/rain. The blossoms are yellow to orange in color and they will close at night and rainy days.

There are a lot of garden poppy varieties too that can be seen at cities flower beds, private gardens, etc. April is also a good month to enjoy flowering acacia trees. They grow well in dry climate and blossoms are very pretty and spread wonderful fragrant smell. For those who like fragrant flowers, it is recommended to visit a citrus plantation while in Southern California. The flowers of orange trees are small white and waxy not exactly prettiest tree flower however the aroma of the flowering citrus grove is really amazing.