The Chaparral Bush Poppy is an evergreen shrub native to coastal California and the Sierra/Cascade foothills. It grows 4-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide with stiff branches, dense foliage, and bright yellow 1-2 inch flowers that bloom from late winter through spring. It requires full sun, well-drained sandy soil, and very little summer water once established. The Bush Poppy attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees with its nectar and provides cover for birds. It is a good choice for slopes, accent plants, or large planters in low water use gardens.

1. Chaparral Bush Poppy – Dendromecon rigida
(den-dro-MEE-kon RIH-ji-da)
Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
Coastal CA and Sierra/Cascade range foothills. Locally on Catalina Island & in Santa
Monica Mtns; common shrub in dry slopes, washes, especially in areas of recent burns.
Native to:
clumping woody shrub mature height: 4-8 ft.
mature width: 4-6 ft.
Upright, evergreen shrub with stiff branches and a dense, irregular crown.
Narrow, grey-green
leaves and grayish-white bark contrast nicely with the bright yellow flowers.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms are very showy, yellow, 1 to 2 inches across. Blooms primarily in late
winter through spring, but may bloom sporadically throughout year in western L.A. county.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Mostly used as a specimen plant due to it’s attractive flowers & foliage. Nice in
front of south-facing walls, as a background shrub, on slopes or as a colorful accent in a large-scale
mixed planting. Would do well in large planters, un-watered parking strips. Good with Ceanothus,
Toyon and Salvias.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs with lacy foliage like hibiscus.
Excellent habitat plant. Nectar source for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees & other
insects. Also provides cover for birds. Larger mammals (like deer) may browse foliage.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Well-drained (sandy best);
Very little summer water needed once established. May give occasional summer
water, but best with none.
None needed
To maintain a tidy appearance, cut back to one-third after the main bloom period.
This is a summer drought plant; does best if planted with others with this requirement.
Management:
Propagation:
from seed:
need smoke treatment
by cuttings: hardwood or root cuttings;
layering.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 24, 25
2/25/11
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