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dudleya

Dudleya, commonly known as liveforevers, is a genus of succulent plants endemic to southwestern North America and Guadalupe Island.

They do not, in fact, live forever. In the wild, many species of Dudleya are vulnerable, as poachers and habitat loss threaten their populations. Poached plants are often shipped to Asia, especially South Korea.

We have one little plant (obtained from CNPS), and it’s starting to flower! Go forth and multiply, little Dudleya!

romneya coulteri

The Matilija (ma-TILL-uh-hah) Poppy, often called the Fried Egg poppy, has the largest flower of any native California species, 6+ inches (15+ cm) across. It’s native to dry, sunny areas from California to Baja. These ones were growing by Serrano Road and had probably escaped from a garden, as I don’t see them growing natively in this part of the SM Mountains. But it’s always such a treat to come across them.

lilium humboldtii

For the past few months, we flower-hikers have been avidly watching the growth of the Humboldt lilies in select locations throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. Yesterday V. and I were delighted to spot our first blooms of the season. Happy dance!