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Californian Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

Eschscholzia californica Eschscholzia californica
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Ranunculales
Family:
Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Also in this family:
Atlantic Poppy, Bird-in-a-bush, Bleeding Heart, Climbing Corydalis, Common Fumitory, Common Poppy, Common Ramping Fumitory, Dense-flowered Fumitory, Few-flowered Fumitory, Fine-leaved Fumitory, Greater Celandine, Hollowroot, Long-headed Poppy, Martin's Ramping Fumitory, Opium Poppy, Oriental Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Purple Ramping Fumitory, Rough Poppy, Tall Ramping Fumitory, Welsh Poppy, Western Ramping Fumitory, White Ramping Fumitory, Yellow Corydalis, Yellow-horned Poppy, Yellow-juiced Poppy
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
45 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland.

Flower:
֍
Orange, 4 petals
 
Orange flowers, seldom but occasionally yellow or pink. Petals measure between 2 and 6cm across. The flowers are long-stalked and solitary. Pollinated by bees.
Fruit:
Long seed pods, between 7 and 10cm in length. The seeds ripen in August and September.
Leaves:
A poppy with glaucous green, finely divided leaves. The leaflets are linear in shape. Perennial.
Other Names:
California Poppy, California Sunlight, Cup of Gold, Golden Cup, Golden Poppy.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Eschscholzia californica, commonly known as the California poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is native to California, but it is also found in other parts of North America, as well as in parts of Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its bright orange or yellow flowers that have four petals and a cup-shaped base. The flowers typically bloom in the late spring to early summer. The plant is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial, and it is often used as a ground cover. It is also considered as a symbol of California, and it is the state flower of California. It is a popular ornamental plant and is grown for its attractive flowers, and it is also used as a medicinal herb.

Blog

The Californian Poppy, also known as Eschscholzia californica, is a beautiful and vibrant wildflower that is native to the western parts of North America, particularly California. This flowering plant belongs to the Papaveraceae family and is a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike due to its stunning colors and ease of cultivation.

Physical Characteristics

The Californian Poppy is a relatively small plant, growing up to a maximum height of around 12-18 inches. It has a slender stem that supports delicate leaves that are intricately dissected and arranged in a fern-like pattern. The flowers, which bloom from late winter to early summer, are the main attraction of this plant, and they come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and red. Each flower has four petals that are arranged in a cup-like shape, and they open up during the day and close at night.

Cultural Significance

The Californian Poppy has significant cultural significance for the people of California. It was declared the official state flower of California in 1903, and it is also the official flower of the city of San Francisco. The flower has long been admired for its beauty and is a symbol of the state's natural beauty and abundance.

Traditional Uses

The Californian Poppy has a long history of use by indigenous people for medicinal purposes. The plant contains alkaloids, including Eschscholtzine and Sanguinarine, which are believed to have sedative and analgesic properties. These alkaloids are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain.

Modern Uses

Today, the Californian Poppy is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, and its flowers are often used in floral arrangements. The plant is also grown commercially for its seeds, which are used in the production of natural food colorings and cosmetics.

Cultivation

The Californian Poppy is an easy plant to grow, and it is well-suited to dry and arid conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires well-draining soil and should be watered regularly until it is established. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

The Californian Poppy is a stunning and culturally significant plant that is easy to grow and maintain. Its vibrant colors and delicate flowers make it a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to add color to your garden or simply appreciate the natural beauty of this plant, the Californian Poppy is sure to delight.

More Information

The Californian Poppy is not only beautiful but also beneficial to the environment. It is a natural source of food for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators play an essential role in the ecosystem by helping to pollinate plants, which results in the production of fruits, vegetables, and other crops.

In addition to its ecological benefits, the Californian Poppy has also been used for soil erosion control due to its extensive root system, which helps to stabilize soil on hillsides and other areas prone to erosion.

The Californian Poppy has a rich cultural history and has been used in literature, art, and music. The flower is often featured in California-themed artwork, and it has been mentioned in several songs and poems.

Interestingly, the Californian Poppy is also known for its unique response to sunlight. During the day, the flowers open up and face towards the sun, a process called heliotropism. However, at night or on cloudy days, the flowers close up to protect their reproductive parts.

The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as toothache, headache, and stomach pain. However, it is important to note that the plant contains compounds that may cause adverse effects if consumed in large amounts. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using any plant-based medicine.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Californian Poppy is its ability to self-seed. Once established, the plant can easily spread and grow new plants from its seeds. This makes it a great option for naturalizing areas or creating a wildflower garden.

Overall, the Californian Poppy is a fascinating and versatile plant that has captured the hearts of many. Its beauty, cultural significance, and ecological benefits make it a beloved symbol of the American West and a valuable addition to any garden or natural landscape.

Interesting Facts

25 Facts About the Californian Poppy:

  1. The Californian Poppy is native to California and other parts of western North America.

  2. Its scientific name is Eschscholzia californica.

  3. The plant belongs to the Papaveraceae family.

  4. The flowers come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and red.

  5. The plant is the official flower of California and the city of San Francisco.

  6. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people.

  7. The plant contains alkaloids that have sedative and analgesic properties.

  8. The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.

  9. Its flowers are used in floral arrangements.

  10. The plant is grown commercially for its seeds.

  11. The plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

  12. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

  13. The plant is well-suited to dry and arid conditions.

  14. The plant has an extensive root system that helps to stabilize soil on hillsides.

  15. The plant is a natural source of food for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

  16. The plant has a unique response to sunlight called heliotropism.

  17. The flowers open up during the day and face towards the sun.

  18. The flowers close up at night or on cloudy days.

  19. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

  20. The plant can easily self-seed.

  21. Once established, the plant can spread and grow new plants from its seeds.

  22. The plant has been used in literature, art, and music.

  23. The plant is featured in California-themed artwork.

  24. The plant is mentioned in several songs and poems.

  25. The Californian Poppy is a beloved symbol of California's natural beauty and abundance.

The Californian Poppy, also known as Eschscholzia californica, is a stunning wildflower that is native to California and other parts of western North America. The plant has cultural significance and has been declared the official flower of California and the city of San Francisco. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is a natural source of food for pollinators. The plant has been used in traditional medicine and is known for its unique response to sunlight. The Californian Poppy is a beloved symbol of California's natural beauty and abundance.

Video

Californian Poppy filmed in Lytham St. Anne's, Lancashire on the 12th June 2023.

 

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