California Poppy

(Eschscholzia californica)

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Eschscholzia californica, commonly known as California Poppy, is an annual or perennial herb native to grasslands, valleys, and open areas such in the Western United States and Northwest Mexico. It can grow to 5–60 inches (13–152 cm) tall with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The California Poppy has a distinctive appearance with its showy cup-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, occasionally pink, blooming from February to September in the northern hemisphere. The petals close at night or in cold, windy weather and may remain closed during cloudy weather. This plant is known for its resilience to mild winters in its native range but dies back in colder climates.

The California Poppy is celebrated for its vibrant flowers and is the official state flower of California since 1903. It is a popular ornamental plant, often used in mass plantings, wildflower mixes, and as a border plant due to its ease of maintenance and drought tolerance. In gardens, it provides a splash of color throughout the summer and is also utilized as food or a garnish. While it thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soils or loam, it is also adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Horticulturalists have developed numerous cultivars with various colors and forms, though these often do not breed true upon reseeding. It is important to note that Eschscholzia californica can be extremely invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type:
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Orange, Pink, White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, valleys, and open areas such as coastal and desert regions in the Western United States and Northwest Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Golden Poppy , Kalifornischer Mohn , Pavot De Californie , Eschscholzie De Californie , Slaapmutsje , Sömntuta , California Golden Poppy , California Sunlight , California Cup Of Gold , Hua Ling Cao , 금영화

Scientific Names: Eschscholzia californica , Eschscholzia californica var. californica , Eschscholzia californica var. luxurians , Eschscholzia menziesiana var. coarctata , Eschscholzia granulata var. minuscula , Eschscholzia douglasii , Eschscholzia menziesiana var. anemophila , Chryseis californica , Eschscholzia crocea var. apiifolia , Eschscholzia floribunda var. gorgonica

GBIF Accepted Name: Eschscholzia californica Cham.