Plant Guide

Eschscholzia californica

• Common Name

  California Poppy
• CA Native

  California Native
• Plant Type

  Perennial
• Size

  6" - 12" x 6" - 10"
• Flower Color

  Yellow to Orange
• Bloom Time

  • Spring
  • Summer
• Leaves

  Finely Divided Bluish-Green
• Evergreen

  Deciduous
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Attracts Beneficial Insects
  • Bees
• Growth Rate

  Fast
• Hardiness

  Hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  Invasive
• Special Features

  • Low Maintenance
  • Showy Flowers
• Water Use

  • Drought Tolerant
  • Low
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Not Particular
• Drainage

  Good Drainage
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  This native california poppy will put on a nonstop show of bright yellow to orange color in late spring and early summer. Because it can be invasive, it is best to put this plant on hillsides or meadows where it can multiply freely. If planted in a garden, it will need regular deadheading to keep attractive. Companion plants include purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), blue fescue (Festuca) and sea thrift (Armenia maritima). Desert Indian tribes are reported to have eaten the leaves, applied the pollen as a cosmetic and used as decoction to kill lice.

  Can be grown from seed. Transplants poorly because of long taproot.  Broadcast seeds in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil that has been spaded or raked. Likes full sun but will tolerate part shade.

  Beneficial insects are attracted to this plant for its nectar.

   

• Master Gardener Comments

  This is a great plant for a natural meadow setting. Will self -seed once established ans is maintenance-free. Can be invasive in a garden setting.

• Varietals

  E. california 'Red Chief' - scarlet flower

  E. california 'Sundew' - lemon yellow flower

  E. california 'Thai Silk Rose Bush' - rose flower

  E. california 'Thai Silk Apricot Rose Bush' - apricot flowers