FLOWERS / POPPY
Romneya coulteri. Also known as Coulter's Matilija Poppy, and California Tree Poppy.
One of the largest and showiest California poppies. Large white petals with a crinkled texture surround yellow stamens, giving this poppy a bright, cheerful appearance which resembles a sunny-side up fried egg. Its flowers, which can be as large as 7 inches across, are attractive to bees and butterflies.
This plant can be challenging to establish, as it can suffer from both too much and too little water. Once established, however, it readily spreads by rhizomes and can soon outgrow its intended area. (Pulling shoots usually suffices to control it.) Plant in full sun in well-draining, sandy soil. Matilija Poppy is a low-water plant that does not need supplemental summer irrigation once established.
Direct seed; transplanting almost always kills it, as does overwatering.
Collected in Grass Valley, CA near the Grass Valley Sierra College Campus, happily growing in red clay with zero maintenance.