It is still a bit early…at least in my usual haunt. I have seen images from our part of the world that are more advanced but it is a bit of a ride from here.
This isn’t the most pristine of blooms, but I thought it would make a nice study in monochrome……and I liked the state of openness…or lack thereof. 🙂 Tomorrow it will be open.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
This photo is a really good one of a member of the Papaveraceae – Poppy family. I had to look that up. It seems there is illegal poaching of this plant whose bloom is so short lived. I read that native Indians uses it as a dye, for medicine and, even today it’s still used in various ways. A very interesting plant so I’m assuming this is the same plant in your pic as the one that I researched.
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That it is, Yvonne. Same lore and same Latin name. I hadn’t heard about the poaching, but maybe that is in areas where it is less prolific.
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Yes, read of poaching from parks in some eastern and more southern states.
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Perfect image for today Steve.
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Glad you liked it, Phil. Thanks.
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Poached poppies? Whatever next. I knew people ‘stole’ orchids but not poppies. Lovely photo Steve.
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I am afraid that there is little which is immune from theft these days, Andrew. Thanks!
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I have heard of poached eggs, but poppies? Good grief. Beautiful study in mono Steve
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I was never a fan of poached eggs, Rod. OTOH, I was never a fan of runny eggs either. 🙂
Thanks.
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Be-au-ti-ful, Steve, almost missed this… and that’d be a shame.. I hope there’s a grand opening shot? xPenx
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Thank you, Pen!!! I had hoped for a few open flowers today, but a friend suggested I try another spot and they were still not ready. I am sure there will be some this weekend when I get out again. And if not, I’ll post one from the archives. 🙂
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Happy chiaroscuro to you.
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That’s what I was thinking as I composed this, Steve.
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I like them when they are partially open also… something about the different petal arrangements that give them extra character.
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Agreed, Mark. Fully open is certainly attractive, but all the stages of blooming are interesting and part of the show.
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I love the technique in your photo, it creates a really engaging image.
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Thanks, Charlie.
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Seeing as it’s called Blood Root I was expecting to see something quite gory but instead we are treated to a flower that is pristine and perfect, flawless in every way.
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The root yields that color, Lottie, which was used by Native Americans as a dye.
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Beautiful work !!
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Thanks, Bernie.
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