Playing Cards - CALIFORNIA

In 1890, the California State Floral Society held an election to determine which would be the state's signature flower. From the beginning, the frontrunner was this lovely, orange-gold bloom already known as the California Poppy. Despite it's overwhelming popularity, it took more than a decade for the legislature to make it official. It was 1903 when the California Poppy became the State Flower. Southern California can be pretty inhospitable to plants, flowers in particular. From drought to harsh winds and blazing sun, it seems the flower would wilt and die. In addition to a deep-reaching root system, the seeds lie dormant in the soil during dry periods and germinate with the rains. This beautiful, delicate-looking flower grows wild throughout the state of California. In fact, Native Americans indigenous to the area valued the poppy as a food source as well as for the oils extracted from the plant. The California Poppy is also known as the Golden Poppy, Cup of Sunshine and California Sunshine. Of course, this design is not just a tribute to the pretty poppy, it also pays homage to our 31st state, also known as "The Golden State". Interestingly enough, the state motto is "Eureka!" which, as you might suspect is the Grecian word for "I have found it." Most believe that this is because of the gold found at Sutter's Mill in 1849, starting the famous "gold rush" and the massive westward settlers migration. California has 840 miles of coast -- all on the Pacific Ocean. But it's terrain could not be more diverse, from sub-artic to sub-tropical and everywhere in between. It also hosts both the highest (Mount Whitney) and lowest (Death Valley) points in the 48 contiguous United States. This delightful design offers an outline of the state of California, filled with their state flower, the gorgeous, resilient and aptly named, "California Poppy". This delightful design, celebrating the 31st addition to the United States, offers an outline of the state of California, filled with their state flower, the golden, California Poppy. This delightful deck of cards is an excellent way of remembering that spectacular Californian vacation.