California Poppy - Eschscholtzia californica

Description: This delicate plant has solitary flowers on long, elegant stems with leaves that display an almost silky texture. The flowers range from yellow to mostly brilliant shades of orange. Height 1' to 2’ tall.

Flowering Season: February through April lower desert, later season at higher elevations.

Comments: This plant is both a perennial and/or annual, depending on whether your region is milder or colder. It was chosen by us, instead of its cousin, Mexican gold poppy, as it germinates much easier, and readily re-seeds itself. It is the official state flower of California. Growth is best in full sun and sandy, well-drained, poor soil. The petals close at night or in cold, windy weather and open again the following morning. It grows well in disturbed areas. This poppy is often planted for horticulture, re-vegetation, and highway beautification. It is drought-tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to grow in gardens.