California Poppy
- Scientific name: Eschscholzia californica
- So prolific in seed production that it grows like a perennial.
- Extremely drought tolerant and ideal for arid environments.
- Prefers full sun in light to sandy soils.
Plant & Variety Documents
Plant Info
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is native to the United States and Mexico. It is the official state flower of California. Its native habitat includes California and extends to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora and northwest Baja California. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is located in northern Los Angeles County. At the peak of the blooming season, orange flowers seem to cover all 1,745 acres of the reserve. Other prominent locations of California poppy meadows include Bear Valley (Colusa County) and Point Buchon (San Luis Obispo County).
Despite being an annual the California Poppy is so prolific in seed production that it grows like a perennial. They are very easy to grow. Extremely drought tolerant and ideal for arid environments. Prefers full sun in light to sandy soils. They have been planted in most of the United States and have become established along roadsides, in empty lots, and other disturbed places. In mild-winter climates Eschscholzia californica will survive several years, resprouting each fall
The blooms of the California Poppy close each night at sunset or on dull days, then re-appear with the sun. Germinates in 15-30 days, should not be planted deeper that 1/16″. This flower can be found in most of our wildflower mixes.
***Click on the “Quick Plant Facts” tab above for more information.***
Learn more about California poppy as the California State Flower.
California Poppy NRCS Plant Guide and Fact Sheet
California Poppy NRCS Plant Guide and Fact Sheet
PDF version of NRCS Plant Guide & Fact Sheet
Citation: Smither-Kopperl, M.L 2018. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center. Lockeford, CA 95237.
Helpful Links
Additional information about this product can be found on the academic websites linked below.
Synonyms
Many plants have more than one common and scientific name. We've listed a few of them below.
- California Poppy
- Eschscholzia californica
- Golden Poppy
- California Sunlight
- Cup of Gold
Quick Plant Facts
Seed Count | 275000 |
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Sowing Rate | 8 lbs. per Acre |
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Common Name: | California Poppy |
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Sun & Shade Tolerance: | Full Sun, Shade Intermediate |
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