Prickly Poppies, Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area, Ocotillo, CA
We found this field of wildflowers by the roadside on our way to Arizona during our most recent spring vacation. At first sight, they look like matilija poppies, what I commonly see closer to the coast, however, at close inspection, they were not because unlike matilija poppies that have strong stems, the stems of these plants were very soft but were prickly, thus probably the name, prickly poppies.
Later, I learned that they grow throughout the Southwest deserts from California east to Texas and to northern Nevada and Utah. They thrive on sandy or gravelly desert roadsides and washes below 8,000 feet.
Later, I learned that they grow throughout the Southwest deserts from California east to Texas and to northern Nevada and Utah. They thrive on sandy or gravelly desert roadsides and washes below 8,000 feet.
so beautiful Betchai....I sound like a broken record but I have yet to see such awesome view in person...thank you for making me smile with your signature joyful landscape shot...:) love yah!
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