Eschscholzia californica

Common Names

California Poppy, Cup of Gold, Golden Poppy, California Sunlight, Golden Cup, California Poppies, Flame Flower, Copa De Oro, Dedal De Oro

Summary

California poppy is a drought-tolerant native of the western United States, growing as an herbaceous annual to short-lived perennial to about 12–18 inches tall with a 6–8 inch spread, featuring blue-green glaucous, finely divided leaves and solitary cup-shaped flowers with four silky petals that range from orange to yellow; flowers open in bright sun and close at night.

Prefers full sun and well-drained sandy or lean soils and is drought-tolerant with minimal watering once established. Propagation is by seed, direct sow in fall or spring; self-seeds readily, making it suitable for wildflower meadows, slopes, xeriscapes, and pollinator-friendly borders; erosion control and revegetation uses are noted, and it attracts bees. Generally low maintenance; deadheading can extend bloom and help manage self-seeding.

Lifecycle

Annual, Perennial

Height

1-2 feet

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day).

Soil Type

Well-drained, sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Orange

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Blue-green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast growing; 55–90 days to mature.

Seasons of Interest

All four seasons

Propagation Methods

Seeds (self-seeding)

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds