California Poppy 

Scientific Name:

Eschscholzia californica

Physical Appearance:

  • 5-60 centimeters tall

  • Green and waxy leaves

  • Flowers are found on long stems

  • Flowers are silky with four broad petals

  • Color range from yellow to orange as they change through seasons

  • Slight fragrance

When Does It Grow:

  • Flowers year round!

Preferred Environment:

  • Variety of ecosystems varying from coast sides to prairie, grassy areas

Method of Reproduction:

  • Relies on active pollinators like bees

  • Once pollinated it can seed very quickly

Medicinal Uses:

  • Can be used to help control anxiety

    • When used as a sedative it can help relax the body, but too high of a dosage can disrupt the ability to react quickly to situations

  • Helps with pain relief in cramps, muscles, toothaches

    • Only has a specific level of relief

Type of photosynthesis:

C3

Random:

  • The petals close in windy, cold, and dark temperatures and reopen during the morning aka poppy’s have a quality called nyctinasty! (blue eyed grass which can be found in the grassland also does this)

  • Cali state flower since 1890 because of its golden color that matches the golden state nickname