Ephemeral elegance:

The Matilija Poppy in Bloom

In this series, I explore the captivating, fleeting allure of Matilija poppies (Romneya coulteri), California’s largest native flower. Known as “fire followers,” they thrive in the chaparral and coastal sagebrush of the Central Coast, blooming from late spring through summer. Named after Chumash Chief Matilija, they were once valued for their medicinal properties and Chumash folklore say the petals of the flower were made from the soul of a maiden, who died of a broken heart. They narrowly missed being awarded California’s state flower but they take their role as a biodiversity hub, attracting native bees and butterflies, seriously.

I depict these poppies in both their wild, native landscapes and in curated home gardens. Though finicky to cultivate, they can dominate a garden once established, transforming spaces into seas of white blooms. The contrast between their fragile, white, paper-thin petals and tenacious roots with shadows full of color create fascinating tension. As Monet said, “It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way, so we must dig and delve unceasingly.” This series is my way of delving into the quiet brilliance of these remarkable flowers, inviting viewers into their luminous world.