Ethnobotany

1. 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
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