California Poppy is the state flower of California, famous for the brilliant orange wildflower displays that blanket hillsides and roadsides in spring. It is an annual or short-lived perennial that closes its petals at night and in cloudy weather. Native bees collect the bright orange pollen, and the seeds are eaten by small rodents. It is remarkably drought-tolerant.
Best time to see a California Poppy
The best time to see a California Poppy is March–May, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 74,565 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a California Poppy? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent California Poppy sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a California Poppy?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.