Matilija Poppy

When in bloom, will catch your eye because of the large (up to 8 inches) white flowers with yellow centers. The flower is the largest of any plant native to California. Matilija Poppy is endemic (found nowhere else) to California and at one time was in the running for the state flower of California - coming in second to the California Poppy Eschscholzia californica. One common name for this plant - Fried Egg Poppy is based upon the appearance of the flower. Looking at the flower it is not hard to see the resemblance to fried eggs sunny side up. The Native Chumash Indians are reported to have valued the plant for its medicinal value.