Mason Jars & Poppy Whites

Matilija Poppy arrangement in mason jar

Poppy, hosta, with rope around mason jar

Romneya coulteri

Shasta Daisies, hosta, poppies

I get in trouble for calling this plant, one of my absolute favorites, not just for its hardiness, whimsy nature, blue-grey foliage or slight vanilla fragrance, the "tissue plant". I guess the more popular of the common names for this flower would be "Fried Egg Plant". At least that's what I've been told and corrected. I like to think of common names (because we all have to learn the scientific and though you can be creative with how you say it so you can spell it phonetically or just remember the name with the plant features), because we get to be truly creative with what kind of common name we give them. Ever since I was a child I called these huge stands of Matilija poppies floating tissues because in the wind, it looked like were crying and waving tissues in the air. Romneya coulteri. My native plants professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dave Fross, owner of Native Sons nursery, said that some of his absolute favorite plants are only so because his daughter gave them such sweet naive common names when they played and planted in the garden before she could say the scientific names. For him, he will always associate to a certain plant through her name for it.  But of course, if you are ordering plants, writing about them or speaking about them, the scientific name is the only way to go- i'd even argue not to learn the common name and come up with your own that helps you relate to the plant in your own way. It will always have its scientific classification. 

Visit Native Sons Nursery at: Native Sons Nursery 
Learn more about Dave Fross here: David Fross 
Learn more about California Native at: Romneya coulteri