Eschscholzia californica
California poppy is a drought‑tolerant wildflower native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It grows as an annual in most of North America and as a short‑lived perennial in mild winter zones. Plants thrive in full sun and lean, well‑drained soils. Blooms open in bright light and close at night or in cloudy weather. Self‑sown seedlings often extend displays year after year. It supports a variety of native bees in regions where it is indigenous.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Annual or short‑lived perennial
- Height × spread: 12-18 in × 12-18 in (30-45 cm × 30-45 cm)
- Bloom window: Spring to fall in mild climates; spring to summer elsewhere
- Color & flower form: Single, silky cup‑shaped blooms; typically orange but also yellow, white, and pink
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 6 to 10; grown as annual in colder zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; native to the western United States and northern Mexico
- Cut‑flower notes: Not ideal; flowers close without bright light and petals shatter quickly
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Most drought‑tolerant poppy for poor, sandy soils
- Longest bloom season in mild climates
- Flowers close at night which reduces use as a cut flower
- Readily self‑seeds in open ground
Strengths
- Low water needs once established
- Thrives in lean soil and full sun
- Supports pollinators in its native range
- Excellent for wildflower meadows and slopes
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun and heat
- Soil: lean to average, fast‑draining; avoid heavy clay unless amended
- Water: minimal once established; water sparingly in summer
- Feeding: not required; excess fertilizer reduces bloom
- Deadhead: shear lightly to refresh bloom; allow some pods to ripen for reseeding
Watch‑outs
- Can self‑sow beyond intended area
- Plants may decline in rich or wet soils
- Closing blooms limit use in arrangements
Best uses (tags)
meadows, slopes, xeriscape, pollinators, borders, containers
Provenance note
State flower of California; widespread in the West from Washington to New Mexico and into northern Mexico.
References
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Eschscholzia californica (notes on closure, caution)
- UC Berkeley Jepson eFlora – Eschscholzia californica (habit, range)
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Plant Finder: Eschscholzia californica (size, hardiness)
- Oregon State University Extension – California poppy and pollinators
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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