10 Stunning Flowers That Peak During Sacramento’s Spring Season
- Jason Richardson
- Mar 19
- 16 min read
Understanding Sacramento’s Unique Spring Growing Conditions
Daffodils: Sacramento’s Early Spring Heralds
Ranunculus: Mid-Spring’s Rose-Like Beauties
Cherry Blossoms: Ephemeral Beauty in Sacramento’s Landscape
Tulips: Sacramento’s Versatile Spring Classic
California Poppies: Native Splendor in Sacramento Spring
Lilacs: Fragrant Treasures of Late Spring
Peonies: Sacramento’s Late Spring Luxury
Bearded Iris: Architectural Beauty in Sacramento Gardens
Sweet Peas: Fragrant Climbers of Mid-Spring
Wisteria: Cascading Beauty in Sacramento’s Landscape
Sacramento’s spring season brings a spectacular parade of blooms that transform our city from winter’s slumber into a vibrant celebration of color and life. As Sacramento’s oldest florist, G. Rossi has witnessed over a century of spring awakenings in our unique climate, giving us unparalleled insight into which flowers truly shine during this magical season. For flower enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone who appreciates natural beauty, understanding which blooms peak during our Sacramento spring offers both practical knowledge and aesthetic inspiration.
The Mediterranean climate of California’s capital city creates ideal conditions for a diverse array of spring flowers, each with its own moment of glory as the season progresses from late February through May. Whether you’re planning a garden, selecting flowers for a special event, or simply want to appreciate the seasonal beauty around you, this guide highlights ten stunning flowers that reach their magnificent peak during Sacramento’s spring season.
From early spring bulbs that push through the last chill of winter to late spring showstoppers that herald summer’s approach, these ten remarkable flowers represent the best of what our region has to offer. Each has been selected not only for its beauty but also for its particular affinity with Sacramento’s unique growing conditions. Let’s explore these seasonal treasures and discover why they deserve a special place in your spring flower appreciation.

Understanding Sacramento’s Unique Spring Growing Conditions
Before diving into our list of stunning spring flowers, it’s worth understanding what makes Sacramento’s growing conditions so special for spring blooms. Our region’s Mediterranean climate—characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers—creates an ideal environment for many spring-flowering plants. This climate pattern, combined with Sacramento’s location in the fertile Central Valley, produces a spring growing season that differs significantly from other parts of the country.
Sacramento’s spring typically begins earlier than in many U.S. regions, with the first signs of spring blooms often appearing in late February. The season extends through May, providing a long window for different flowers to reach their peak. According to the UC Davis Arboretum, Sacramento’s spring temperatures, which gradually warm from the 60s in early spring to the 80s by late spring, create perfect conditions for a succession of blooms rather than a single flowering period.
Sacramento’s Microclimate Factors
Several microclimate factors influence which flowers thrive during Sacramento’s spring:
Abundant sunshine: With an average of 269 sunny days per year, Sacramento provides ample light for photosynthesis and flower development.
Winter and early spring rainfall: Our region receives most of its annual precipitation between November and April, providing natural irrigation just when spring flowers need it most.
Delta breeze: This natural air conditioning effect moderates temperatures, particularly in late afternoon, preventing premature heat stress on delicate spring blooms.
Soil composition: Sacramento’s alluvial soils, enriched by centuries of river deposits from the American and Sacramento Rivers, provide excellent drainage and mineral content for spring flowers.
These factors combine to create what local horticulturists call the “Sacramento Bloom Sequence”—a reliable progression of flowering plants that unfolds throughout our spring season. Understanding this sequence helps gardeners and flower enthusiasts anticipate and appreciate each wave of seasonal beauty.
1. Daffodils: Sacramento’s Early Spring Heralds
Daffodils (Narcissus) claim the honor of being among the first spectacular blooms to announce spring’s arrival in Sacramento. These cheerful yellow and white flowers typically begin appearing in late February, sometimes even pushing through the last patches of winter frost. Their ability to naturalize in our climate means they return year after year with minimal care, creating increasingly impressive displays as they multiply.
Sacramento’s mild winters and early spring rainfall provide ideal conditions for daffodils, which require a period of cold dormancy followed by warming temperatures to trigger blooming. The Sacramento region’s winter temperatures, which typically drop into the 40s at night but rarely remain below freezing for extended periods, create perfect conditions for these beloved bulbs.
Why Daffodils Thrive in Sacramento
Daffodils perform exceptionally well in Sacramento for several reasons:
They complete most of their growth and flowering before summer heat arrives
They tolerate our clay-heavy soils better than many other bulbs
They’re naturally resistant to deer and rodents, a plus for foothill communities
They can handle both full sun and partial shade, adapting to various garden locations
The California Garden Clubs recommend several daffodil varieties specifically for Sacramento’s climate, including ‘Barrett Browning’, ‘Tahiti’, and ‘Thalia’, which have proven particularly floriferous in our region.
Daffodils in Floral Arrangements
In floral design, daffodils bring unmatched springtime cheer to arrangements. Their trumpet-shaped blooms add both visual interest and symbolic meaning—representing rebirth and new beginnings. At G. Rossi Florist, we often pair daffodils with early spring branches like forsythia or pussy willow to create arrangements that truly capture the essence of early spring in Sacramento.
When working with daffodils in mixed arrangements, remember that they secrete a sap that can be harmful to other flowers. Allow cut daffodils to sit in their own water for a few hours before combining them with other blooms to prevent shortened vase life for their companions.
2. Ranunculus: Mid-Spring’s Rose-Like Beauties
As March transitions to April, Sacramento’s spring flower scene welcomes one of its most photogenic stars: ranunculus. These rose-like blooms with their layers of delicate, crepe-paper petals reach their magnificent peak in mid-spring, typically from late March through April. Available in a spectacular range of colors from pure white to vibrant orange, pink, and red, ranunculus offers endless possibilities for garden displays and floral arrangements.
Sacramento’s spring conditions provide the perfect growing environment for ranunculus, which prefer cool but not freezing temperatures and moderate moisture. Our region’s gradual warming through spring allows these flowers to develop particularly large, robust blooms with strong stems—characteristics that make Sacramento-grown ranunculus especially prized.
Sacramento’s Ranunculus Growing Success
Ranunculus perform exceptionally well in Sacramento gardens and farms for several key reasons:
They thrive in our well-drained soils, particularly when amended with organic matter
They receive perfect light conditions during our sunny spring days
They complete their blooming cycle before summer heat stress becomes an issue
They benefit from our relatively low humidity, which reduces disease pressure
Local flower farms in the Sacramento region, such as Flora Fresh in Sacramento County, have developed specialized techniques for growing exceptional ranunculus that supply both local florists and national markets.
Ranunculus in Seasonal Designs
In floral design, ranunculus serves as a versatile mid-spring superstar. Their rose-like appearance provides luxury and volume without the higher price point of early spring roses. Their naturally spiraling petal formation creates visual interest from every angle, making them ideal focal flowers in arrangements.
At G. Rossi Florist, our spring collections feature ranunculus prominently, often paired with complementary spring blooms like anemones, sweet peas, and early garden roses. Their excellent vase life—up to 10 days when properly conditioned—makes them practical as well as beautiful choices for spring arrangements.

3. Cherry Blossoms: Ephemeral Beauty in Sacramento’s Landscape
Cherry blossoms transform Sacramento’s landscape for a brief but unforgettable period in early to mid-spring. These delicate pink and white blooms create stunning canopies throughout the city, particularly in the Capitol Park area and along many residential streets in East Sacramento and Land Park neighborhoods. While their blooming period typically lasts only 1-2 weeks, usually in March, their impact on Sacramento’s spring identity is immeasurable.
Sacramento’s climate provides excellent conditions for flowering cherry trees, which require a period of winter chill followed by gradually warming temperatures to produce abundant blooms. Our region’s winter temperatures, which typically provide the necessary chill hours without extreme freezing, create ideal conditions for these beloved trees.
Sacramento’s Cherry Blossom Heritage
Cherry trees have a special place in Sacramento’s horticultural history. Many of the city’s oldest specimens were planted during the early 20th century as part of city beautification efforts. The variety most commonly seen in Sacramento is ‘Yoshino’ (Prunus × yedoensis), known for its clouds of pale pink to white blossoms that appear before the leaves emerge.
The Sacramento Tree Foundation has worked to preserve and expand the city’s cherry tree population, recognizing their cultural significance and environmental benefits. Their efforts ensure that future generations of Sacramentans will continue to enjoy this spectacular spring tradition.
Cherry Blossoms in Floral Design
While cherry blossoms have a relatively short vase life, their incomparable beauty makes them valuable additions to special occasion arrangements during their brief season. At G. Rossi Florist, we thoughtfully incorporate flowering branches into spring designs, creating arrangements that capture the ephemeral beauty of this season.
For those wanting to enjoy cherry blossoms at home, we recommend:
Cutting branches when buds are just beginning to open
Making a fresh cut and crushing the ends of woody stems to improve water uptake
Keeping arrangements away from heat sources and direct sunlight
Appreciating their fleeting beauty as a mindful reminder of spring’s transient nature
4. Tulips: Sacramento’s Versatile Spring Classic
Tulips bring unmatched versatility to Sacramento’s spring flower palette, with varieties blooming from early through late spring, typically March through early May. Their clean lines, strong stems, and extraordinary color range make them essential components of spring gardens and floral designs throughout the Sacramento region.
Unlike some colder regions where tulips reliably return for many years, Sacramento’s warmer climate and shorter winter chill period mean that many tulip varieties perform best when treated as annuals. This approach—planting new bulbs each fall for spring blooms—allows Sacramento gardeners and florists to experiment with different colors and varieties each year.
Best Tulip Varieties for Sacramento
Not all tulips perform equally well in Sacramento’s climate. Varieties that have proven particularly successful include:
Single Early and Triumph tulips: These bloom reliably with our shorter chill period
Darwin Hybrid tulips: Known for large blooms and strong stems in our conditions
Species tulips (like Tulipa clusiana): These naturalize better in our warmer climate
Lily-flowered tulips: Their elegant pointed petals hold up well in spring arrangements
The Sacramento County Master Gardeners recommend planting tulip bulbs in November or December, after refrigerating them for 6-8 weeks to compensate for Sacramento’s milder winters. This pre-chilling helps ensure abundant blooms come spring.
Tulips in Sacramento Floral Traditions
Tulips hold a special place in Sacramento’s floral traditions, featuring prominently in spring celebrations from Easter arrangements to Mother’s Day bouquets. Their clean, contemporary form works equally well in traditional and modern design styles, making them versatile choices for any spring occasion.
At G. Rossi Florist, we source tulips from both local growers and specialized tulip farms in the Pacific Northwest to ensure the highest quality blooms throughout the spring season. Our designers appreciate tulips not only for their beauty but also for their “phototropic” nature—continuing to grow and bend toward light sources after cutting, creating naturally dynamic arrangements that evolve over days.

5. California Poppies: Native Splendor in Sacramento Spring
No list of Sacramento’s spring flowers would be complete without our state flower, the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). These vibrant orange blooms reach their peak in April, creating spectacular displays in open spaces throughout the Sacramento region. Their ability to thrive in our native conditions makes them both beautiful and ecologically valuable components of our spring landscape.
California poppies are perfectly adapted to Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate, having evolved in similar conditions throughout the state. They germinate with winter rains, grow during the cool spring months, bloom abundantly in April, and then set seed as summer approaches—a life cycle perfectly synchronized with our regional weather patterns.
Where to See California Poppies Around Sacramento
While California poppies can be found throughout the region, several locations offer particularly impressive displays:
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve: About an hour north of Sacramento, this site offers spectacular wildflower displays including vast poppy fields
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area: Many trails feature good poppy displays in spring
American River Parkway: Sections of the parkway showcase native wildflowers including poppies
UC Davis Arboretum: The California native section features managed displays of poppies and other native wildflowers
It’s important to note that while California poppies are breathtaking in their natural settings, they should be admired rather than picked in public lands and natural areas. Harvesting wildflowers from these locations is generally prohibited and disrupts natural ecosystems.
California Poppies in Sustainable Floristry
At G. Rossi Florist, we honor California’s native heritage by incorporating ethically grown California poppies into our spring arrangements. Rather than harvesting from wild populations, we source from specialized growers who cultivate these native treasures specifically for the cut flower market.
California poppies bring unique qualities to floral designs:
Their vibrant orange color adds energy and warmth to spring palettes
Their delicate, tissue-paper petals create textural contrast with more structured blooms
Their distinctive cup shape adds interesting form variation to arrangements
Their native status connects arrangements to our regional identity and natural heritage
When included in arrangements, California poppies remind us of the unique beauty of our Sacramento landscape and the importance of preserving our native flora.
6. Lilacs: Fragrant Treasures of Late Spring
As April transitions to May, Sacramento gardens and landscapes are graced with the intoxicating fragrance of lilacs. These beloved flowering shrubs, with their distinctive cone-shaped flower clusters, typically reach their peak in late April to early May, filling the air with their sweet perfume for a brief but unforgettable period.
Sacramento’s climate provides good conditions for several lilac varieties, particularly those developed for warmer regions. While traditional lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) require more winter chill than Sacramento naturally provides, varieties like the Descanso Hybrids and Chinese lilac (Syringa chinensis) perform beautifully in our region, producing abundant blooms despite our milder winters.
Sacramento’s Lilac Success Stories
Several factors contribute to successful lilac cultivation in the Sacramento region:
Planting in locations that receive morning sun but afternoon shade helps lilacs thrive despite our warmer spring temperatures
Sacramento’s well-drained soils, particularly in areas with slight elevation, provide ideal growing conditions
Our relatively low humidity during spring reduces disease pressure on lilac foliage
The Delta breeze helps moderate temperatures during critical blooming periods
The Historic City Cemetery in Sacramento features several heritage lilac specimens that demonstrate how well these plants can perform in our climate when properly sited and cared for.
Lilacs in Luxury Floral Design
Few flowers match lilacs for their combination of visual beauty, textural interest, and incomparable fragrance. Though their vase life is relatively short (typically 4-7 days), their sensory impact makes them highly valued additions to special occasion arrangements during their brief season.
At G. Rossi Florist, we celebrate lilac season by creating signature designs that showcase these fragrant blooms. Their scent profile—sweet, slightly spicy, and deeply nostalgic—creates an emotional connection that few other flowers can match. We often pair lilacs with other late spring flowers like ranunculus, late tulips, and early peonies to create arrangements that capture the transition from spring to early summer.
7. Peonies: Sacramento’s Late Spring Luxury
Peonies represent the height of late spring luxury in Sacramento, typically blooming from late April through May. Their sumptuous, multi-petaled blooms and intoxicating fragrance make them among the most coveted flowers of the season. While their blooming period is relatively brief, their incomparable beauty makes them worth the wait for flower enthusiasts throughout the Sacramento region.
Sacramento’s climate allows for successful cultivation of several peony varieties, particularly early-blooming types that flower before summer heat arrives. While peonies do require some winter chill to bloom properly, many varieties receive sufficient cold hours in Sacramento’s winter to produce beautiful blooms come spring.
Best Peony Varieties for Sacramento
Not all peonies perform equally well in Sacramento’s climate. Varieties that have proven particularly successful include:
Early-blooming herbaceous peonies: Varieties like ‘Coral Charm’, ‘Festiva Maxima’, and ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ bloom before summer heat
Intersectional (Itoh) peonies: These crosses between herbaceous and tree peonies handle warmer climates better
Tree peonies: Though less common, these woody-stemmed varieties often perform well in Sacramento gardens
The American Peony Society recommends planting peonies in Sacramento in locations that receive morning sun but afternoon shade, helping them thrive despite our warmer spring temperatures.
Peonies in Premium Floral Designs
In floral design, peonies represent the pinnacle of spring luxury. Their abundant petals, exquisite fragrance, and romantic associations make them highly sought-after for wedding bouquets, special occasion arrangements, and premium gift designs during their brief season.
At G. Rossi Florist, we source the finest peonies from both local growers and specialized farms in cooler regions to extend the availability of these coveted blooms. Their transformation from tight, round buds to fully open, bowl-shaped flowers creates an evolving display that brings continuing joy as arrangements develop over days.
For those lucky enough to receive peony arrangements, we recommend:
Keeping them cool at night to extend their vase life
Changing water every other day to maintain freshness
Enjoying each stage of their opening, from rounded buds to full, open blooms
Appreciating their ephemeral beauty as a special gift of late spring
8. Bearded Iris: Architectural Beauty in Sacramento Gardens
Bearded irises bring architectural elegance to Sacramento’s late spring landscape, typically reaching their peak in May. Their distinctive form—upright standards and falling petals—creates dramatic vertical elements in gardens and floral designs. Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate and clay-rich soils provide excellent growing conditions for these spectacular perennials.
The tall bearded iris, with its remarkable color range and striking form, thrives in our region’s well-drained soils and abundant spring sunshine. Unlike many perennials that struggle in clay soils, irises often perform better in Sacramento’s native soil than in heavily amended gardens, making them practical as well as beautiful additions to local landscapes.
Sacramento’s Iris Heritage
Sacramento has a rich history with iris cultivation, dating back to the Gold Rush era when settlers brought these beloved perennials from their eastern homes. The Shields Grove Iris Collection at UC Davis showcases hundreds of varieties that demonstrate the incredible diversity of this flower group and their affinity for our regional conditions.
The Sacramento Iris Society, founded in 1934, continues to promote iris cultivation and appreciation throughout the region. Their annual shows display the remarkable diversity of colors and patterns available in modern iris varieties, from classic purples and yellows to exotic bicolors, plicatas, and luminatas.
Irises in Contemporary Floral Design
In floral arrangements, irises add architectural interest and vertical elements that complement rounder blooms like peonies and late-season ranunculus. Their distinctive form makes them natural focal points in bouquets, while their color range—from palest white to deepest purple, with yellows, oranges, and bicolors in between—allows for creative color combinations.
At G. Rossi Florist, we value irises for their:
Strong vertical lines that create structure in arrangements
Unique form that adds interest and movement to designs
Excellent vase life (7-10 days when properly conditioned)
Connection to Sacramento’s horticultural heritage
When incorporating irises into mixed arrangements, we often position them to create height and directional flow, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition while celebrating these distinctive Sacramento spring treasures.

9. Sweet Peas: Fragrant Climbers of Mid-Spring
Sweet peas bring incomparable fragrance and delicate beauty to Sacramento’s mid-spring season, typically reaching their peak in April. These climbing annuals, with their ruffled blossoms and tendriling stems, offer a combination of visual charm and sweet perfume that has endeared them to generations of flower lovers in the Sacramento region.
Sacramento’s climate provides near-perfect conditions for sweet peas, which prefer cool growing conditions but cannot tolerate hard freezes. Our mild winters allow sweet peas to be planted in fall or early winter, giving them time to develop strong root systems before producing abundant blooms in spring, well before summer heat causes them to decline.
Sweet Pea Success in Sacramento Gardens
Several factors contribute to sweet peas’ excellent performance in Sacramento:
Our mild winter temperatures allow for early planting and development
Spring rainfall provides natural irrigation during key growing periods
The gradual warming of spring temperatures promotes abundant flowering
The Delta breeze helps moderate temperatures, extending the blooming season
Local gardening expert Farmer Fred Hoffman, a longtime Sacramento gardening authority, recommends planting sweet pea seeds between Halloween and Valentine’s Day for the best spring display in our region.
Sweet Peas in Romantic Floral Designs
In floral design, sweet peas bring unmatched romantic charm to spring arrangements. Their ruffled petals, curling tendrils, and intoxicating fragrance create sensory-rich designs that capture the essence of spring. Their natural movement and graceful stems allow for arrangements with a garden-inspired, slightly wild aesthetic that perfectly reflects the season’s energy.
At G. Rossi Florist, we source locally grown sweet peas whenever possible, as their delicate nature makes them best when freshly harvested. We often feature them in:
Romantic spring bouquets where their fragrance adds an additional sensory dimension
Wedding designs, where their association with pleasure and bliss makes them symbolically appropriate
Nostalgic arrangements that evoke the cottage gardens of Sacramento’s historic neighborhoods
Monochromatic designs that showcase the remarkable color range available in modern sweet pea varieties
For recipients of sweet pea arrangements, we recommend keeping them away from fruit (which releases ethylene gas that shortens their vase life) and enjoying them in rooms where their fragrance can be fully appreciated.
10. Wisteria: Cascading Beauty in Sacramento’s Landscape
Completing our tour of Sacramento’s stunning spring flowers is wisteria, whose dramatic cascades of lavender, purple, or white blooms transform arbors, pergolas, and trellises throughout the region in mid to late spring. These woody vines typically reach their peak blooming period in April, creating spectacular displays that have become iconic elements of Sacramento’s spring landscape.
Sacramento’s climate provides excellent growing conditions for wisteria, which thrives in our abundant sunshine and well-drained soils. Once established, these vigorous vines are remarkably drought-tolerant, making them well-adapted to our Mediterranean climate with its dry summers.
Sacramento’s Historic Wisteria Displays
Some of Sacramento’s most spectacular wisteria specimens have historical significance, having graced their locations for decades or even a century. Notable examples include:
The massive wisteria at the Old City Cemetery, believed to date from the early 20th century
The wisteria-covered arbors at the Jensen Botanical Garden in Carmichael
Several historic specimens in Sacramento’s Fabulous 40s neighborhood, where they adorn historic homes
These venerable plants demonstrate wisteria’s remarkable longevity in our climate and its ability to become a defining feature of Sacramento’s spring landscape.
Wisteria in Dramatic Floral Installations
While wisteria’s woody nature makes it challenging to use in conventional arrangements, its dramatic flowering branches can be incorporated into larger-scale floral installations and event designs. At G. Rossi Florist, we occasionally use wisteria for:
Wedding ceremony structures and arches
Special event installations where dramatic scale is desired
Large-scale corporate or public space designs during peak wisteria season
Photography backdrops for spring portrait sessions
When working with wisteria, we source only from private gardens where proper pruning is part of the vine’s regular maintenance, ensuring that our use of these spectacular blooms is both ethical and sustainable.

Bringing Sacramento’s Spring Flowers Into Your Home
Understanding which flowers peak during Sacramento’s spring season allows you to create more seasonal, sustainable arrangements that truly capture this magical time of year. Whether you’re selecting flowers for your home, a special event, or a gift, choosing blooms at their natural peak ensures the best quality, longevity, and value.
At G. Rossi Florist, we’ve been celebrating Sacramento’s spring awakening for over a century, developing deep knowledge of which flowers thrive in our unique climate. Our seasonal collections showcase the best of each phase of spring, from the first daffodils of late February to the luxurious peonies of May.
Tips for Enjoying Spring Flowers Longer
To maximize enjoyment of Sacramento’s spring flowers:
Choose seasonal blooms: Flowers at their natural peak last longer and perform better
Condition properly: Cut stems at an angle and remove foliage below the waterline
Keep cool: Display arrangements away from heat sources and direct sunlight
Change water: Refresh vase water every 2-3 days to prevent bacterial growth
Enjoy the evolution: Appreciate how arrangements change as they develop over days
Sustainable Flower Practices
As Sacramento’s oldest florist, we’re committed to sustainable practices that honor our region’s natural heritage. We encourage:
Supporting local flower farmers who grow with sustainable methods
Choosing seasonal blooms that require fewer resources to produce
Appreciating wildflowers in their natural settings rather than picking them
Composting spent arrangements to return nutrients to the soil
Conclusion: Flowers That Peak During Sacramento’s Spring Season
Sacramento’s spring flower season offers a remarkable progression of blooms that reflect our region’s unique climate and natural heritage. From the first daffodils of late February to the luxurious peonies and irises of May, each phase of spring brings distinctive flowers that deserve appreciation and celebration.
By understanding which flowers naturally peak during different parts of spring, you can better appreciate the seasonal beauty around you and make more informed choices when selecting flowers for your home or special occasions. Each of the ten stunning flowers highlighted in this guide represents a special moment in Sacramento’s spring awakening—a moment worth noticing and celebrating.
We invite you to explore our seasonal spring collections at G. Rossi Florist, where we showcase the best of each phase of Sacramento’s spring flower season. Whether you’re seeking a gift, planning an event, or simply treating yourself to spring’s beauty, we’re here to help you connect with the remarkable floral treasures that make Sacramento’s spring so special.
Thank you for reading! We hope this post brought you some inspiration. At G. Rossi, we’re dedicated to helping you celebrate life’s special moments with beautiful, thoughtfully crafted floral arrangements. Whether you’re marking an occasion, brightening your space, or sending a heartfelt gift, our expert florists are ready to bring your vision to life.
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