White Prickly Poppy

Related to the Matilija Poppy, this cousin looks very similar although it's smaller in size.  It also has sharp, prickly spines on the leaves, stalks and buds.  It grows at an elevation of 1,500 - 8,000 feet in most of the Southwest.  The plant is distasteful to livestock and tends to increase in heavily grazed rangeland.  The plant is also poisonous but the yellow sap has been used to treat some skin diseases and the plants were also boiled for baths in the treating rheumatism.

"White Prickly Poppy"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Coming in for a Landing

The Matilija Poppies are in bloom and here's lucky shot #2.  That bee is loaded with pollen but he wants more.  The Matilijas are one of my favorite flowers to paint.  Native to California, these spectacular blooms with white, krinkled petals and a large yellow-orange center are dramatic in the late afternoon light.  They are also known as the "Fried Egg Flower" and I'm sure you can guess why.

"Coming in for a Landing"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Prickly Poppy

First cousin to the Matilija Poppy one of my favorite flowers to paint, this spiny leafed plant grows at higher elevations (up to 6,000').  All parts of this plant are poisonous so don't eat it. 

"Prickly Poppy"    © Kathy Dunham 2010