Coulter’s Matilija Poppy
(Romneya coulteri)
Coulter’s Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)
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Nina House
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Nina House
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nina House | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nina House | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-11T22:17:35Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Romneya coulteri, commonly known as Coulter’s Matilija Poppy, is a semi-deciduous subshrub or shrub native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral regions of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. It can exceed 2 meters (7 feet) in height and has a robust stem that grows from a network of rhizomes. The foliage consists of gray-green, waxy-textured leaves divided into lance-shaped lobes. The inflorescence features a large, solitary flower with six crinkly white petals, each up to 10 cm (4 in) long, and a bright yellow center, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are exceptionally showy, making it a standout in any garden setting.
Coulter’s Matilija Poppy is celebrated for its strikingly large flowers, which are the largest of any species native to California. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, xeriscaping, and as a focal point in gardens due to its size and the visual impact of its blooms. This plant is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water once established, and thrives in well-drained soils, preferring full sun exposure. While it is a beautiful addition to gardens, it can be aggressive in its spread through rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive in some settings. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread and consider containment strategies. Despite its vigorous growth habit, it is generally free of serious pests and diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coulter’s Matilija Poppy is celebrated for its strikingly large flowers, which are the largest of any species native to California. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, xeriscaping, and as a focal point in gardens due to its size and the visual impact of its blooms. This plant is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water once established, and thrives in well-drained soils, preferring full sun exposure. While it is a beautiful addition to gardens, it can be aggressive in its spread through rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive in some settings. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread and consider containment strategies. Despite its vigorous growth habit, it is generally free of serious pests and diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Coastal sage scrub and chaparral regions of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: California Tree Poppy , Coulter’s Matilija-Poppy , Matilija-Poppy , Buskvallmo
Scientific Names: Romneya coulteri , Romneya coulteri var. coulteri
GBIF Accepted Name: Romneya coulteri Harv.