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Flaigg, Norman G.

Eschscholzia californica Cham.

California poppy

Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)

USDA Symbol: ESCA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Feathery, highly-dissected, blue-green leaves clasp the 1-2 ft. stems of this popular, perennial wildflower. Showy, 1-3 in. wide, four-petaled flowers are open only on sunny days. The flowers are solitary and long-stalked and vary in color from orange to yellow. Each of the satiny petals has a deep-orange spot at its base.

California poppy is often used in wildflower mixes. It is easy to grow, drought tolerant, and reseeds so readily that is can become weedy. In natural conditions, it blooms most heavily from March to May . This bloom period can be extended with supplemental water.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AL , AZ , CA , CO , CT , GA , HI , ID , IL , KY , LA , MA , MI , MO , NE , NV , NH , NM , NY , NC , OH , OR , PA , SC , TN , TX , UT , WA , WI , WY
Native Distribution: Most of cismontane CA, w. Mojave Desert & coastal OR; escaped freely elsewhere
Native Habitat: Open or disturbed, grassy areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), CAN(I)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Nutrient-poor, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: California poppy is often used in wildflower mixes. It is easy to grow, drought tolerant, and reseeds so readily that is can become weedy. In natural conditions, it blooms most heavily from March to May . This bloom period can be extended with supplemental water.

Benefit

Use Food: The Nisenan of California boiled and consumed young spring leaves.
Warning: Can be poisonous if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Plant seeds in the fall directly where poppies are desired, since they do not transplant well. Rake in 1/4. Germination is rapid.
Seed Collection: The fruit is a slender capsule.
Seed Treatment: Seeds germinate without pretreatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: I need to identify a wildflower from each region that we can package in custom packaging to use as giveaways at our member zoos and aquariums. Our project this year is called Conservation Made Simple and it focuses on backyard habitats. We would love to have flowering seeds that are critter friendly, non-invasive, etc. I understand that one size does not fit all, but am not expert enough to identify one per region. Can you help me?
click here to view the full question and answer

Bibliography

Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski and Wasowski
Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. Kat

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Eschscholzia californica in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Eschscholzia californica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Eschscholzia californica

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff

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