A matilija poppy, presumably Romneya coulteri and not the very similar R. trichocalyx. This semi-evergreen flowering shrub is native to southern California and Baja California. Apparently it can be a bit difficult to get started in the garden, but once it is established it is quite sturdy and tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions.
It can grow to 3-5 feet tall and spread to 8 feet, with beautiful bluish-greenish-grey foliage and bright-white parchment-like petaled flowers with a globe of yellow at their centers.
Laguna Lake Park, June 2012.
