Chaparral Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei)
A striking symbol of Southern California's chaparral, Chaparral Yucca bursts into bloom with towering stalks of creamy white to purplish-green flowers. Also known as Our Lord’s Candle, this native plant blooms once in its lifetime, creating a spectacular display that attracts pollinators and nature lovers alike. This particular yucca was photographed at Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in San Diego, capturing the plant’s dramatic clusters and sculptural elegance in their natural setting. With its bold form and luminous petals, the Chaparral Yucca stands as a stunning testament to the beauty of drought-tolerant flora.
Camera: NikonD7500
Lens: Helios 44-2 58mm f2
Lens effect: Swirly bokeh and soft-focus glow achieved in-camera using vintage glass.