Where To Find Wildflowers in Morgan Hill
It’s wildflower season in Santa Clara Valley! Morgan Hill parks and open spaces offer some of the most convenient ways to view and enjoy the spectacular super blooms.
Why are there so many wildflowers here? It all starts with the soil. Santa Clara Valley is a biological “hot spot” thanks to its unique serpentine soil, born from years of tectonic activity. This rare soil makes up only about 1% of California’s soil types, but supports habitat for 13% of the state’s endemic flora and fauna!
One of the lovely benefits of this special habitat are the variety of colorful wildflowers blooming from late winter to early summer. In and along Santa Clara Valley’s parks, hillsides, preserves, roadsides, reservoirs, and streams you can find:
California poppies - vibrant orange bowl shaped, state flower
Lupine - purple elongated flowering shrub
Blazing star - yellow flower
Blue-eyed grass - bluish purple flowers
California bay laurel tree - yellow blooms
California buttercups - shiny yellow petals and stamens
Shooting star - fuschia flower with a comet shape
Where to find wildflowers
Coyote Creek Parkway Santa Clara County Parks
RANCHO CAÑADA DEL ORO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve
Don’t forget to be a responsible visitor! Here’s how:
Be prepared with proper shoes, attire, water, hat, etc.
Stay on trail (do not trample through vegetation)
Do not pick flowers or take anything from the parks & open spaces
Mind the trail etiquette and be courteous to other users
Give wildlife space and respect
More Resources
Check out the Santa Clara County Parks printable Wildflower Guide
Find out more about wildflowers with the Open Space Authority’s Wildflower Guide
“Take only photos and never pick or disturb wildflowers. Please don't leave the trail for any reason. Preserve the trailside beauty for other visitors and the pollinators and other wildlife that rely on this habitat.”
