California poppy

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a species of flowering plant in the Papaveraceae family, native to the United States and Mexico. It is the state flower of California.

Description

The California Poppy is a perennial and annual plant, growing to 5–60 cm tall, with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are ternately divided into round, lobed segments. The flowers are solitary on long stems, silky-textured, with four petals, each petal 2-6 cm long and broad; their color ranges from yellow to orange, and flowering is from February to September. The fruit is a slender, dehiscent capsule 3-9 cm long, which splits in two to release the numerous small black or dark brown seeds. It is perennial in mild parts of its native range, and annual in colder climates; growth is best in full sun and sandy, well-drained, poor soil.

Distribution and habitat

The California Poppy is native to grassy and open areas from sea level to 2,000m (6,500 feet) altitude in the western part of the United States throughout California, extending to Oregon, southern Washington, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and in Mexico in Sonora and northwest Baja California.

Cultivation and uses

The California Poppy is highly drought-tolerant and is often cultivated for its aesthetic value. Its vibrant color and easy growth from seed make it a popular choice for casual gardeners. In addition to its beauty, it is also used in cooking and traditional medicine.

In culture

The California Poppy was designated the state flower of California in 1903. Also, April 6 is designated as California Poppy Day.

See also

• List of California state symbols
• Papaveraceae