California Poppy

In bud, a poppy's petals are wrapped tightly within a pointed green cap. It's a small miracle to sit and watch the flower bud begin to swell in the warmth of the sun, pushing the little green cap up higher and higher as it strains to open, until at last - the cap POPS off, and the flower petals unfurl in their newfound freedom! The poppy was designated our state flower in 1903 and now has its own preserve: The Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve, located 15 miles west of Lancaster. This preserve covers over 1700 acres of California's most consistent poppy bearing land and was established to "protect and perpetuate outstanding displays of native wildflowers." Consider a visit from February through April when the flowers are out in all their glory; it's well worth it!