California Native Wildflower
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
California's iconic golden-orange wildflower for native landscapes, meadows and low-water plantings
California Poppy is a native western wildflower recognized for its brilliant orange-to-golden flowers and finely divided, blue-green foliage. Adapted to California's Mediterranean climate, it performs especially well in sunny, well-drained sites and is an excellent choice for native wildflower plantings, naturalized areas and large seasonal displays.
Wildflower Characteristics
Why Plant California Poppy?
California Poppy combines native habitat value, vivid spring color and strong adaptation to sunny, relatively dry sites.
California Native
A true California native and one of the state's most recognizable wildflowers.
Brilliant Color
Produces distinctive cup-shaped flowers, most commonly in brilliant orange and golden-yellow shades.
Dry-Site Adaptation
Well adapted to sunny, well-drained sites and capable of performing with relatively little supplemental water once established.
Natural Reseeding
Established plants can readily produce seed and return in later seasons when site conditions are favorable.
Where It Fits
Best Uses for California Poppy
California Poppy is an especially strong fit where native plant value, low-water performance and highly visible seasonal color are priorities.
Establishment & Management
Growing California Poppy
California Poppy is straightforward to establish from seed when planted shallowly into a sunny, well-drained site.
Planting Window
In mild-winter California climates, fall planting works well with seasonal rainfall. Early spring planting is another option where appropriate.
Planting Depth
California Poppy seed should be planted very shallowly. A light covering of soil and good seed-to-soil contact are preferred over deep burial.
Sun & Soil
Full sun and well-drained soil provide the strongest conditions for flowering. Sandy and other freely draining soils are particularly suitable.
Reseeding
Allow mature seed capsules to develop where natural reseeding is desired. Mowing or removing plants before seed maturity will reduce future volunteer stands.
California Native
An Iconic Wildflower Built for California Conditions
California Poppy is native along the Pacific slope of western North America and is California's state flower. Its ability to establish with seasonal rainfall, tolerate dry summer conditions and reseed naturally makes it particularly well suited to California native wildflower and naturalized landscape plantings.
Looking for California Poppy Seed?
Contact Weaver Seed for current availability, quantities, packaging or help incorporating California Poppy into a California native, pollinator or custom wildflower mixture.
Contact Weaver Seed