California Poppy – Eschscholzia californica (maritima variety) (es-shuh-HOLES-ee-uh cal-i-FOR-ni-cuh)

Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)

Native to: local form grows on dunes and bluffs along the CA coast from Channel Islands to the

Mendocino coast. Also found in coastal areas of Oregon and Baja CA. Coastal sage scrub, coastal strand, coastal prairie.

Growth characteristics: annual/perennial mature height: 8-12 in. mature width: 8-15 in.

Often grown as an annual, this plant is actually a perennial in our mild-winter area. Low, mounding plant with finely-dissected grey-green leaves. Green color and bright flowers, sometimes even in winter in

South Bay.

Blooms/fruits: blooms spring to early fall. Local native variety has bright yellow flower with darker

center. Showy and well-loved. Fruits are long pods which spring open releasing the seeds.

Uses in the garden: Long-lasting color in cultivated beds, borders and naturalized areas. Also looks good in rock gardens, containers and low meadow plantings. Great on hillsides and along driveways, parking

strips. Native Californians used plant medicinally. Note: Leaves and stems are toxic.

Sensible substitute for: non-native poppies

Attracts: native bees, beetles

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun (best) to partial shade

Soil Not particular, but prefers sandy; any pH fine

Water Little after established. Some summer water extends bloom period. Drought

tolerant.

Fertilizer None needed; need low-nutrient soils

Other Tolerates seaside conditions

Management: little needed, other than to remove dead stems at end of summer. Deadheading

promotes blooming, but is not required. Will reseed on bare ground.

Propagation: from seed: sow in place in fall, using fresh seed. Let seedpods dry on plant, then collect

seed.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2 many others 1/19/15

© Project SOUND

Eschscholzia californica (maritima) Coastal California poppy

Seed pods