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Flaigg, Norman G.
Eschscholzia californica Cham.
California poppy
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.
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
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
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff
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