Mexico City’s Jacarandas Bloom Early, Raising Climate Concerns

Each spring, Mexico City’s streets burst into vibrant shades of purple as thousands of jacaranda trees bloom, creating a breathtaking spectacle that delights residents, tourists, and pollinators alike. But this year, something unusual happened—some jacarandas started flowering as early as January, well before their usual spring awakening.

This unexpected phenomenon has sparked concern among both locals and scientists. The early bloom hints at a deeper issue: shifting climate patterns. Researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) are now investigating the extent of this change, with climate change emerging as the likely culprit.

Unseasonal Blooms and Rising Temperatures

“For as long as we can remember, jacarandas have bloomed in late March, marking the arrival of spring,” said Constantino González, a researcher at UNAM’s Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change Research. “But now, we’re seeing flowers appear in January and February—right in the middle of winter.”

To establish a clear link between climate change and this altered flowering cycle, González and his team are gathering data from across the city. Their research includes long-term comparisons of bloom patterns, field observations, and satellite imagery. Early findings suggest that Mexico City’s winter ended abruptly this year—by mid-January rather than its usual conclusion in late March—likely due to rising temperatures.

A Historical Perspective on Jacarandas in Mexico City

The jacaranda’s presence in Mexico’s capital dates back to the 1930s. Inspired by the cherry blossoms of Washington, D.C., then-President Pascual Ortiz sought to recreate a similar floral display in his country. However, Japanese landscape architect Tatsugoro Matsumoto, who had settled in Mexico decades earlier, advised against it. He knew that delicate cherry blossoms wouldn’t thrive in the city’s climate. Instead, he suggested jacarandas—a resilient, tropical species he had encountered during a stay in Peru.

Today, these trees are an iconic part of Mexico City’s landscape. But as they bloom out of season, they serve as a vivid reminder of a warming world. If climate change continues to disrupt natural cycles, what other cherished signs of the seasons might be at risk?