California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
Family: Papaveraceae · Also called Golden Poppy, Copa de Oro, Flame Flower, Omonoia californica, Chryseis californica
Green & Fresh · Spring–Summer bloomer
The California poppy is liquid sunshine made botanical, silky, cup-shaped flowers in blazing orange-gold that open each morning and close each evening, their four petals catching light like creased tissue paper. In spring, they transform California's hills and valleys into swaths of gold so intense they're visible from space.
imagination, success, the Golden State
In the Victorian language of flowers, california poppy means “Do not refuse me, extravagant love”. California's state flower since 1903. April 6 is California Poppy Day. Spanish explorers called the golden hillsides 'Land of Fire' and 'cloth of gold.' During the Gold Rush, miners saw the golden poppies as a good omen. It's illegal to pick them on state property (though not on private land, despite the common myth). Native Californians used the plant medicinally as a sedative.
Did You Know?
California poppies are visible from space, NASA satellite images have captured the orange blooms covering entire valleys during superbloom years. Each flower opens and closes daily, tracking the sun. They contain mild sedative alkaloids (different from opium poppies) and were used by Native Californians to soothe toothaches and help children sleep.
Coastal grasslands, dry hillsides, open valleys, and roadsides
California Poppy is native to Western United States, Mexico. It naturally grows in coastal grasslands, dry hillsides, open valleys, and roadsides.
Scent Profile
“Nearly scentless, a faint green, grassy freshness at most. Like many poppies, the California poppy relies on visual advertisement (brilliant orange against blue sky) rather than fragrance.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameEschscholzia californica
- FamilyPapaveraceae
- Native ToWestern United States, Mexico
- Bloom SeasonSpring–Summer
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
California's state flower since 1903. April 6 is California Poppy Day. Spanish explorers called the golden hillsides 'Land of Fire' and 'cloth of gold.' During the Gold Rush, miners saw the golden poppies as a good omen. It's illegal to pick them on state property (though not on private land, despite the common myth). Native Californians used the plant medicinally as a sedative.