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Joshua trees in Southern California are blooming three months earlier
While these desert plants usually flower from February to May, researchers reported an unusually early “bonus bloom” starting in late November 2025, pending field confirmation. This early activity continued through January 27, 2026, surprising scientists.
The regular schedule for these trees is to stay dormant during the winter and wake up only when spring temperatures arrive. According to reports from the Yoder Lab, this unusual behavior is happening across the Mojave Desert.
Many residents have been sharing photos of these white flower clusters on social media and citizen science apps.
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Intense autumn rainfall likely triggered the early 2026 blooming event
Scientists believe that heavy rains in late 2025 disrupted the trees’ biological clocks. Lancaster, California, recorded 2.5 inches of rain above usual during the early winter of 2025…