Flower for the Day Celandine Poppy 6-10-24

Celandine poppy (Stylophorum dyphyllum) has been one of my favorites for years. It's a North American native that grows from underground rhizomes. The flowers have four yellow petals, two sepals, many yellow orange stamens, and a single stigma. The flowers produce pollen but no nectar.

The plant has taught me a lot in the 30 years I have tended it. The most important lesson is that plants grow where they want to and not where I want them to. Once located in a shady gentle sloped 'ravine' with plenty of water it has flourished.

Gazing Inside

Look deep inside
That place only you really know
That somewhere, always home
Never too far away
In reach when you need it
There in a glance

No need to linger
Longer than a moment
You already live there
It's your place to be who you are
Everyone else, just a guest
At your invitation

See that stargazer lily over there
Its stamen jutting outward
It's an invitation to you
Step inside, yourself
Smile
Give yourself a hug

Don Iannone