Wildflower bloom, Central Valley, California, United States  Apr 2, 2026

Spring announces itself across California"s Central Valley in the United States with the first bursts of wildflowers following the winter rains. Stretching more than 700 kilometres from north to south and covering about 52,000 square kilometres, the valley is one of the world"s most productive agricultural regions. In early spring, however, an older identity briefly resurfaces. From March through April, native annuals such as goldfields, tidy tips and owl"s clover quickly germinate once temperature and soil moisture are optimal. They race to complete their life cycles before the long dry season begins.

© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion

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