When I drove out to the West Desert for some peace and solitude three days ago, I was thrilled to spot this Flatbud Prickly Poppy still in bloom.
Autumn Flatbud Prickly Poppy in bloom – Nikon D500, f8, 1/320, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I hadn’t photographed this white wildflower species yet this year, and I thought I might have missed them. However, I did see several prickly poppy plants in bloom, and that made me feel happy.
I’ve grown fond of these native wildflowers since the first time I photographed them. Their snow-white petals resemble crepe paper and I love that. I also appreciate that these Flatbud Prickly Poppies provide nourishment for plenty of bees and insects.
I maneuvered my Jeep so that the dark shadows from a nearby juniper were behind the poppy, creating a stark contrast with the white blossom.
Before long, the colder autumn weather will prevent the poppies from producing more blooms. The seedpods will mature, burst open, and disperse the seeds for next year’s plants.
Most frequently, I find these poppies growing along side of dirt and gravel roads out in the West Desert. I’ve also found them in the foothills of the sky island mountains of the desert.
I do avoid touching the poppies because, as their name implies, they are prickly. The leaves, stems, and fruits of this plant are covered with sharp spines that can deter predators and protect the plant from harm. It is important to be cautious around this plant due to its prickly nature.
Despite their prickly spines, I am always delighted to have these beautiful native wildflowers in my viewfinder, and I will always stop for a few photos of them when I can.
Life is good.
Mia
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Nice shot. I love the contrast and the balance you achieved between the brightness of the Poppy and the dark background. Lots of detail. Beautiful. Thanks Mia.
Lovely. I’m trying to imagine how you arranged your jeep, though! You’re kind of a genius…
Exquisite, as is your photo.
The white petals against the black background with the light hitting the closer petals and leaf — wow! The way the petals are curved makes me think that the flower is harboring a secret and the composition with the flower in the right of the frame is the cherry-on-top of this shot!