California Poppy
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a small-flowering native North American plant. Found throughout the western US, it is an attractive small poppy-like flower.
Having said that, it can become very weedy very quickly if given garden conditions to its liking.
Description of Plant
This is a small poppy, from 2 to 18 inches tall (although there are recorded taller plants) in general with a well branched blue-green foliage.The flowes are carried on single stems and are various shades of yellows through oranges.
They tend to flower sporadically throughout the summer.
How To Grow
Grow this plant in the full sun in a sandy soil. Clay soils will not produce great plants nor will they winter in clay.
Once established, this plant is extremely drought tolerant.
If you live in a warmer climate, you can expect this plant to self-sow (perhaps becoming quite weedy).
My zone 4 garden would occasionally produce a self-sowing California poppy but for the most part, they are considered hardy annuals here in the north.
In colder climates, you can spread seed in the spring to germinate naturally or start them indoors. Either method works well.
Notes of Interest
~The California poppy is something of an interesting plant.
~Confirmed in 1903 as the state flower of California.
~Leaves used by native Americans in medicines.
~Seeds used in cooking.
~Orange-yellow pollen used in cosmetics.
~Extract from seed is a mild sedative when smoked.
~If you're interested in seeing the famous fields of this plant, the best place is the The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is located in northern Los Angeles County, California. At the peak of their blooming season orange petals cover the 1,745 acres of the park.
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