Matilija Poppy

That's Matilija poppy—

a large wildflower

with six white petals,

with crinkled texture,

and a middle ball,

of yellows stamens.

It blooms with vigor,

this time of year.

For its looks,

it's called "fried egg flower."

It was a candidate for,

State flower of California,

but lost to,

the more vibrant and prolific

California poppy.

It’s a statuesque plant

and feeds the pollinators.

The Chumash Indians

used the plant parts

for various ailments.

My little daughter,

saw the above picture

and asked,

if it was a volcano,

shooting lava.

I loved her observation—

we are limited,

only by our imagination.

Anyway,

learning about plants,

one at a time,

is my way,

to honor the land.