Matilija Poppy 



Matilija— queen of all California flowers, 

 with fragrant blossoms five to nine inches 

 across and petals which resemble silken crepe. 

 The buds are as beautiful as the blossom, 

 which remains open for many days. They 

 are large spreading plants and are grown 

 from root cuttings, as the seeds do not ger- 

 minate until the second year. It is found in 

 the canons near Santa Barbara and in some 

 other parts of the state. The Indians esteem 

 this plant for its medicinal qualities. 



Grandly thou rear st thy snowy chalice high 

 And in its cup a sphere of sunshine lies, 

 As if the warmth distilled from summer skies 

 Were caught to win the vagrant butterfly. 



[10] 



