No poet has yet sung
the full beauty of our poppy.
No painter has successfully
portrayed the satiny sheen
of its lustrous petals.
In its abundance this
colorful plant should not be slighted
cherish it and be ever thankful
that so rare a flower is common.
...John Thomas Howell
The California poppy was designated the state flower of California in 1903. Also known as the flame flower, la ample and Copa de pro (cup of gold), the California poppy grows wild throughout the state.
It was starting to rain when I pulled my car over to take this photo. Good overcast lighting. Nice on Black.