Species PlantsCalifornia Poppy

California Poppy

Eschscholzia californica

CommonPlant
Illustration of California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

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.

Habitat
Dry grasslands, roadsides, and open slopes throughout California and the Southwest
Diet
Pollen collected by native bees; seeds eaten by small rodents and birds
How common
Common

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