An excerpt from Myriam Gurba's 'Poppy State' - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Myriam GurbaOctober 21, 2025
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In *Poppy State*, Myriam Gurba explores California’s rich botanical history through the lens of Sara Lemmon, a botanist who championed the golden poppy as the state flower. Gurba weaves personal reflections, family memories, and historical insights to create a vivid tapestry of California’s natural and cultural identity. The excerpt delves into how Sara’s advocacy for the poppy intertwined with her own life story, revealing themes of imperfection, beauty, and resilience. Gurba also critiques Sara’s colonial-era attitudes toward Native Americans while celebrating her contributions to botany.
The narrative highlights Sara’s marriage to John Lemmon, a fellow botanist, and their joint passion for exploring California’s flora. Together, they embarked on botanical expeditions, including a honeymoon trip described as a “botanical raid” through Arizona. Gurba reflects on how Sara’s work often romanticized nature while marginalizing indigenous communities, mirroring broader colonial attitudes toward the West. Despite these complexities, Gurba admires Sara’s determination and acknowledges her role in shaping California’s botanical legacy.
Gurba’s own connection to California’s landscapes is deeply personal. She recalls her father framing a poster of native wildflowers, including the poppy, which became a recurring symbol of
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 10/21/2025