Mexico’s wildflowers astounded me … as if Mother Nature had rolled out the red carpet. Traveling through the central highlands in Querétaro and Guanajuato last September, the roadsides, fields and hillsides were covered in colorful blooms. It was a wow moment. Entire mountainsides shone in a patchwork of vibrant yellows, oranges, reds and pinks. Yet, six months earlier, when I passed through, the same mountainsides were dry, arid and sparse.
However, in September, an entirely different ecosystem lay before my eyes. So much so that I asked the driver to stop along the highway beneath the hillside of Mexican sunflowers. The blooms blanketed the landscape in a cheery yellow; he picked some for me after I shared that I was a botanical artist.
When to see the wildflowers
There are two wildflower seasons in Mexico. The first is in spring, from March to May, when arid regions like Baja California and northern deserts bloom after winter rains. These winter rains cause superblooms where desert plants bloom en masse and carpet the landscape.
The second wildflower season is in autumn, from September to November, after the rainy season throughout Mexico. Native plants put on a brilliant flowering display, bursting into bloom.
Of course, wildflower season may start a little earlier, or end a little later depending on the weather. Having been in Queretàro and Guanajuato in September for the last two years during the autumn wildflower season, I can tell you September is a great time to visit states in Central Mexico.
Cempasúchil flowers are not only used for decorating altars
What flowers can you expect to see?
Cosmos, marigold, Mexican sunflowers, globe mallows, morning glory, salvias, mirasol and many more. From tiny butter daisy flowers blanketing the ground at your feet to the huge blooming shrubs of Mexican sunflowers looking you in the eye. There is a wide variety, from light happy yellows to deep striking purples.
Some flowers were a surprise to me. Like the soft baby pink hues of globe mallows. Not a plant that I had seen before. So, seeing a big patch was quite the sight. Another surprise was massive patches of happy pink cosmos. A popular garden plant, grown for its flowers, it was delightful to find out it is native to Mexico.
Seeing the stunning beauty of wildflowers transform the landscape, I knew there had to be symbolic meanings attached to these flowers.
My top 5
Someone asked me what my favorite flower was. It’s almost impossible to choose, but these five left the biggest impression. Especially the white poppy.
Chicalote, or Mexican white prickly poppy
The Chicalote, a native white prickly poppy, won my heart. Its delicate papery petals shining under the sun were so dreamy and elegant that I painted one. The delicate white petals symbolize tranquility, peaceful dreams and quiet rest.
These white prickly poppy flowers stand for endurance and resilience, peace and sleep.
Because the spiny plant thrives in dry, harsh and disturbed soils where other plants fail, to many it represents the ability to survive tough conditions through deep inner strength.
Mirasol, or cosmos
In a show-stopping display of vibrant pinks, cosmos put on quite a show. Huge patches waved to us along the roadside. Swaying on long feathery stalks as we passed. Another beautiful member of the daisy family, cosmos represents balance, peace and tranquility.
Also, cosmos is believed to act as a bridge between life and the afterlife, linking the physical world with the spiritual realm.
Girasol, or Mexican sunflower
Cherry sunflowers were by far the most common. Entire fields and mountainsides radiated in cheery yellow everywhere I went. This member of the daisy family represents faith, loyalty, and adoration.
Some Indigenous populations associated the flower’s bright face with solar deities. Aztec and Mexica people treated the plant as sacred. Dried sunflower seeds were left as offerings at major ceremonial sites like the Templo Mayor in Mexico City.
Mexican passionflower
Walking the streets of Queretàro, Mexican Passionflowers were abundantly climbing up trees or along old gates. This one was growing outside a church, which I found fitting, as they symbolize the Passion of Christ and the crucifixion.
The 10 petals and sepals represent the faithful apostles, while the corona filaments (seen as the purple inner ring) represent the crown of thorns. Inside, the three stigmas represent the nails, and the five anthers represent Christ’s wounds.
Copper globemallow
New to me, this member of the hibiscus family had me stopping for a closer look. The soft baby pink petals are as delightful as the velvety feel of its leaves. Flourishing in dry, harsh desert heat, the flower symbolizes endurance and resilience. Also standing as powerful emblems of hope, gentle comfort and vitality.
The best way to see them
Take a drive. These flowers line highways and laneways, lowlands and mountain ranges. So, by driving, you will see the greatest variety. I loved them all so much I made a quick sketchbook page with the most abundant. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have over the last couple of years.
Mexico Correspondent for International Living, Bel Woodhouse is an experienced writer, author, photographer and videographer with 500+ articles published both in print and across digital platforms. Living in the Mexican Caribbean for over seven years now, she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.
