California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
Also listed as Chryseis californica, Omonoia californica
Also known as California Golden Poppy, Californian Poppy
Climate Match for your location
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A cheerful California native annual with silky, cup-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. Extremely drought-tolerant and easy to grow, thriving in poor soil with minimal water once established.
Why grow it
California poppy distinguishes itself among drought-tolerant annuals for its reliable self-seeding in suitable climates and minimal fertility requirements compared to many ornamental alternatives. It establishes quickly from direct sowing and requires no deadheading to maintain blooms throughout its season, making it practical for low-input landscapes. Its shallow root system allows it to thrive where deeper-rooted perennials might struggle, and it tolerates sandy or compacted soils that would challenge more demanding species.
Watch out for
The plant closes its flowers in cloudy weather and at night, which some gardeners find less visually appealing than constant bloom. In regions with cool, wet springs, seedling establishment can be slow or inconsistent, so direct seeding into warm soil typically yields better results than early transplanting. Self-seeding may occur unpredictably in the second year depending on local conditions and soil disturbance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Orange King and Golden West are traditional double-flowered cultivars; Apricot Chiffon and Peach Sorbet are popular modern varieties selected for ruffled petals and extended bloom.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A cheerful California native annual with silky, cup-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. Extremely drought-tolerant and easy to grow, thriving in poor soil with minimal water once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Poppy grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
California poppy distinguishes itself among drought-tolerant annuals for its reliable self-seeding in suitable climates and minimal fertility requirements compared to many ornamental alternatives. It establishes quickly from direct sowing and requires no deadheading to maintain blooms throughout its season, making it practical for low-input landscapes. Its shallow root system allows it to thrive where deeper-rooted perennials might struggle, and it tolerates sandy or compacted soils that would challenge more demanding species.
Watch out for
The plant closes its flowers in cloudy weather and at night, which some gardeners find less visually appealing than constant bloom. In regions with cool, wet springs, seedling establishment can be slow or inconsistent, so direct seeding into warm soil typically yields better results than early transplanting. Self-seeding may occur unpredictably in the second year depending on local conditions and soil disturbance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Orange King and Golden West are traditional double-flowered cultivars; Apricot Chiffon and Peach Sorbet are popular modern varieties selected for ruffled petals and extended bloom.