Researchers found that there was a significant loss of wildflowers in 2013 and 2014, years when the known California drought kicked in. Elise Gornish, an ecologist from University of California in Davis, said that the results revealed that climate change affected plant diversity on the local scale. 

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The dying of wildflowers due to California drought can greatly affect the food chain. Grassland species are the primary source of sustenance for birds, seed-eating rodents, cattle and insects.

Harrison said that if this continues, it will affect a larger scale of extinction, Tech Times has learned. 

California drought isn't something new, but it's being lengthened by the climate change. If it goes on, the state will not be only experiencing a decrease in productivity but also susceptibility to exotic species invasion.

In addition, wildflowers experiencing dehydration due to California drought is an indicator of lost plant species. Researchers said that soon, we would see more grass and fewer flowers. 

Many are curious though, how is the weather affecting the germination of wildflowers? 

Susan Harrison, a plant ecologist at University of California in Davis, said that many types of California wildflowers germinate in the midwinter month, when the weather is cool. For a seedling to survive the entire germination, the ground needs to be moist. 

Their study shows a significant drop in winter humidity, lesser rainfall and more sun in midwinter, Los Angeles Times reported. This could only make the land drier and if the soil is dry, the wildflower will wither and eventually die before it can even reproduce. 

The hot and dry weather in winter affects the germination process of these wildflowers. If the California drought still persists, there will not be any hope for these species, unless there is a climate shift, as per Liberty Voice's news. 

A team from University of California in Davis still continues to monitor the research sites to find how the decrease in wildflower diversity can affect the entire ecosystem and its processes, including soil nutrient cycling, spread of invasive plants and pollination.

Supported by National Science Foundation, Institute for  Study of the Ecological Effects of Climate Impacts offered a way to gather and analyze past, current and future researches on environmental change — to understand and look for ways to alleviate the impact of climate change.

Tagscalifornia, drought, wildflowers