Flowers Bloom Along North Santa Cruz Coast

Oxalis pes-caprae, or sour grass, carpets the coastline between Santa Cruz and Davenport.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The coastline along Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Davenport is currently blanketed in a vibrant yellow carpet of Oxalis pes-caprae, commonly known as sour grass. This species of oxalis, indigenous to South Africa, has become an invasive plant in many parts of the world and is difficult to eradicate due to its underground bulb propagation.

Why it matters

The blooming of the sour grass along the North Santa Cruz coast is a seasonal event that draws visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. However, the plant's invasive nature poses challenges for local ecosystems and land management efforts.

The details

Oxalis pes-caprae, also known as African wood-sorrel, Bermuda buttercup, and sour grass, is a yellow-flowering plant in the wood sorrel family. It has become a pest plant in different parts of the world due to its ability to propagate through underground bulbs, making it difficult to control or eradicate.

  • The flowers are currently blooming along the North Santa Cruz coast.

The players

Oxalis pes-caprae

An invasive species of yellow-flowering plant in the wood sorrel family that has carpeted the coastline between Santa Cruz and Davenport.

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The takeaway

The blooming of the sour grass along the North Santa Cruz coast is a seasonal event that showcases the region's natural beauty, but also highlights the challenges posed by invasive plant species and the need for effective land management strategies.