This is one of the large Matilija Poppies growing at Caroline Park in Redlands, CA. This is one of the showiest wildflowers, native to California and Baja California. The flower is about 6 inches across with pollen-filled stamens in the center. The name, Matilija is said to have come from Matilija Canyon in Ventura County, named after Chief Matilija of the Chumash Indian tribe. The Latin name is Romneya coulteri, supposedly after botanist Thomas Coulter. No matter where its names came from, it is a show-stopper, covered in blooms, growing up to 10 feet high! 6/15/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
These unusual flowers were on a type of eucalyptus tree, photographed at Yucaipa Regional Park. I liked the fluffy "petals", which reminded me of a ballet dancer's tutu, or maybe a feather duster? ;-) 6/17/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
One of the interesting plants in Caroline Park the other day was this berry plant. The name that came to mind when I saw them was gooseberry, but I'm not sure if this is really what gooseberries look like. Some plants had only red, some only orange, and some mixed like this. I took pics of quite a few of the plants, showing all the different colors. If anyone knows if my hunch on this ID is correct, I'd be happy to know. 6/12/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
