Matilija Poppy

Matilija Poppy, Romneya Trichocalyx, bush up to 8' high. (sometimes spelled Matilja Poppy). For Southern California this is one of the largest showiest native flowers to be found. The hairy calyx seen on the bud is one of the identifying features. It is distributed in coastal Southern California and it range can be seen here. This one was in a shady spot and I luckily caught it right as the morning sun peaked through. In the next shot after this one, the sun was stronger and had way too much contrast.