California poppy

What it is

Eschscholzia californica (California poppy, Californian poppy, golden poppy, California sunlight, cup of gold) is a species of flowering plant in the Papaveraceae family, native to the United States and Mexico. It is an ornamental plant and it is used medicinally and in cooking, and it became the official state flower of California in 1903.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find California Poppies mostly in California, often in open fields, hillsides, and roadsides, sometimes grown in gardens across the US.

How to find it

Look for vibrant orange or yellow cup-shaped flowers, especially when the sun is out. They often grow in large patches.

Best time of day

Daytime in spring and early summer when it's sunny. They close on cloudy days.

How it lives

What it eats

Sunlight, water, soil nutrients

What eats it

Deer, rabbits (leaves); birds (seeds)

Worth knowing

• It is the official state flower of California.
• The seeds grow in a long, narrow pod that splits open to release them.
• Native Americans used parts of the plant for food and medicine.
• The petals are so thin they almost look like silk.
• Sometimes a field of poppies can be so big it looks like an orange carpet!
• It's against the law to pick them in California, so just enjoy looking!

Why it matters

California Poppies provide nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds, supporting the ecosystem.