Eschscholzia californica and Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta - California Poppy and Purple Owl's Clover. Just caught the very last of the super bloom in May at Carrizo Plain National Monument.

The owl's clover is from a family commonly known as paintbrushes. They are hemi-parasites, meaning they feed off the roots of other plants to supplement themselves. In this case they are probably parasitizing other wildflowers that have already gone to seed.

Carrizo plain is one of the largest intact remnants of a native grassland ecosystem, including several alkali sinks. This area escaped cultivation partly due to its remoteness, and has served as a refuge for dozens of rare plants and animals. It's about an hour drive from SLO.

Thank you to @dsfroggy for the use of your camera, and for taking the second photo

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