Mexican Gold Poppy

(Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana)

Mexican Gold Poppy (Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana, commonly known as Mexican Gold Poppy, is an annual or perennial herb native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, as well as desert grasslands and open areas in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico. This poppy typically grows to a height of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters) and a width of 0.7-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). It has a low-growing, clumping form with finely dissected blue-green foliage. The flowers are a vibrant yellow to orange, blooming profusely in the spring and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Mexican Gold Poppy is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant springtime display. It is often used in wildflower meadows, rock gardens, and xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it suitable for areas with dry conditions. While it is easy to grow, it can reseed prolifically under ideal conditions, which should be considered in garden planning. It is not typically associated with significant diseases or pests, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-1.3 feet
  • Width: 0.7-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow, Orange
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, desert grasslands, and open areas in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Mexican Goldenpoppy, Mexican Goldpoppy, Mexican Gold-Poppy, Mexican-Gold

Scientific Names: , Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana, Eschscholzia californica var. mexicana, Eschscholzia mexicana, Eschscholzia douglasii var. parvula, Eschscholzia arvensis var. dilatata, Eschscholzia arvensis var. orthodichasialis, Eschscholzia parvula,

GBIF Accepted Name: Eschscholzia californica subsp. mexicana (Greene) C.Clark