A very special feature of Israel’s landscape is the richness and variety of its flora, especially wildflowers. Despite Israel’s tiny area, it has about 2500 species, compared with only 1500 species in the British Isles that are more than ten times larger in area.
Every winter, Israel transforms into a canvas of color. Across its hills, plains, and valleys, thousands of wildflowers push through the soil in a seasonal spectacle that draws nature lovers, hikers, and photographers from across the country. What makes Israel’s wildflower bloom particularly remarkable is its diversity, resulting from the country’s unique position at the crossroads of Mediterranean, desert, and highland climates. Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of the Galilee or the open plains of the Judean lowlands, knowing what to look for and when, will turn an ordinary hike into an unforgettable experience.
Even though you might consider sending a loved one back home an exotic flower bouquet, witnessing these flowers in their native environment is a completely different kind of happiness.
If you happened to visit Israel during the blooming season don’t miss this unique experience.
The most striking regions with diversity and density of wildflowers bloom are the hills of the Lower Galilee in the North & the Judean plains in the center. However, there are many exceptions of specific followers that appear in different regions at specific periods.
To give you a taste of what you can expect if you come to the right spot at the right time, we give you a shortlist of the main flowers you are likely to find:
Anemone
- Blooming period: January-April.
- Hebrew Name: Kalanit – derived from the Hebrew word for bride “KALA” referring to its beauty.
- Typical Regions: Almost all. More common in the north, center, and the northwestern Negev.
- Colors: The most common color is red, but can be found also in white, pink, purple, and blue.
- In some locations can appear in large and impressive “carpets”
Cyclamen
- Blooming period: October – April.
- Hebrew Name: Rakefet – derived from the Arab name “Rakaf”.
- Typical Regions: Hilly and rocky areas in the north and central mountains.
- Colors: Pink, White, and Purple.
- In some locations can appear in large and impressive “carpets”
Lupine
- Blooming period: February – April.
- Hebrew Name: Turmus.
- Typical Regions: Golan Heights, Galilee, Judean Plains.
- Colors: Purple.
- In some locations can appear in large and impressive “carpets”
Tulip
- Blooming period: February – April.
- Hebrew Name: Tzivoni.
- Typical Regions: Golan Heights, Galilee, coastline, Samaria, Judean Plains
- Colors: Red.
- Relatively hard to spot. Usually appears in small sparse groups
Iris
- Blooming period: February – April.
- Hebrew Name: Iris.
- There are 16 different Iris species in Israel. Most of them are typical for a specific area. Some of them are among the biggest and most impressive of Israel’s wildflowers
- Relatively hard to spot. Usually appears in small sparse groups
As mentioned this is just a teaser. There are dozens of different beautiful flowers. Some appear almost everywhere, and some are very rare and are limited to a very specific area and period.
