Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla)
Delicate and whimsical, Collinsia heterophylla enchants with tiered blossoms that resemble tiny pagodas—hence its common name, Chinese Houses. Also poetically known as Innocence, this native California wildflower features soft violet and lavender hues, with pale white upper petals stacked in elegant whorls along slender stems. Blooming in spring, it often graces open woodlands and shaded slopes with a fairytale charm. This particular bloom was photographed at Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in San Diego, its graceful architecture standing out against a dreamy background of grasses. A quiet favorite of wildflower lovers and nature photographers, Chinese Houses brings a touch of magic to the California landscape.
Camera: NikonD7500
Lens: Helios 44-2 58mm f2
Lens effect: Soft nostalgic rendering created in-camera using vintage glass.