Eschscholzia

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) - 22

Joshua Tree poppy (Eschscholzia androuxii) (16750830288)

Eschscholzia caespitosa (2561051742)

Alon Shvut P1110779 (6962947094)

Eschscholzia glyptosperma 5

Eschscholzia hypecoides 044

Eschscholzia is a genus of 12 annual or perennial plants in the Papaveraceae family, commonly known as the California poppy. These plants are native to the western United States and Mexico and are particularly well-known for their vibrant, cup-shaped flowers.

Description

Eschscholzia species are characterized by their finely divided, gray-green foliage and bright, satiny flowers. The flowers typically have four petals and come in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, pink, and white. The plants produce a long taproot, which makes them drought-tolerant and well-suited to dry, sandy soils.

Species

Some notable species within the genus Eschscholzia include:

• Eschscholzia californica - California poppy
• Eschscholzia lobbii - Frying pans
• Eschscholzia minutiflora - Pygmy poppy
• Eschscholzia glyptosperma - Desert gold poppy

Habitat

Eschscholzia species are typically found in open, sunny areas such as grasslands, deserts, and coastal regions. They thrive in well-drained soils and are often seen in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields.

Cultivation

Eschscholzia species are popular in horticulture due to their striking flowers and ease of care. They are often grown from seed and can be sown directly into the garden in the fall or early spring. These plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil and require minimal watering once established.

Uses

The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is the state flower of California. It is also used in traditional medicine for its sedative and analgesic properties. The plant contains alkaloids that have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects.

Related Pages

• Papaveraceae
• California poppy
• Annual plant
• Perennial plant
• Traditional medicine