#Eschscholzia

[thelethalsilence]

between solar fields

Antelope Valley, CA, USA

March 2023

[faguscarolinensis]

Eschscholzia californica / California Poppy at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC

[quasieli]

I've created a new baby (NPC) who's an absolute asshole and I adore them 🥰🥰

[colorsoutofearth]

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

Photo by Floris van Bruegel

[drhoz]

#2679 - Eschscholzia californica - California Poppy

AKA as Desert Poppy, California Sunlight, and Cup of Gold. Named by the German botanist Adelbert von Chamisso after the Baltic German botanist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz, his friend and colleague on Otto von Kotzebue's scientific expedition to California and the greater Pacific circa 1810 aboard the Russian ship Rurik.

A highly variable species with at least 90 synonyms, and the genus isn't much better. One revision in 1922 reduced the number of valid species from 120 to 12.

The flowers can also be red, orange, or pink. The seed capsule sometimes open explosively, to scatter the seeds. Leaves are used as a garnish or eaten as food, and the seeds as seasoning.

Widely naturaised in Australia, and introduced to New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa.

The State Flower of California. The Tongva peoples of the San Gabriel Valley region recognized the California poppy by the term Mekachaa, and as a plant relative, and the final plant created by the Tongva's god of creation, Wiyot, describing it as "golden as the sun, bringing beauty to the world."

Cromwell, Aotearoa New Zealand

[quintessentialarts]

Etsy | Facebook | Instagram

A very wee little Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) leaf print in pure silver, with a faceted dark orange garnet 🧡

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Friday 9 August 2024

This front garden has been seeded with an annual meadow mix of orange flowered Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) and Calendula officinalis (pot marigold, common marigold, ruddles, Mary's gold, Scotch marigold) which contrast with blue flowered Nigella damascena (love-in-a-mist) and Borago officinalis (borage, starflower), and dotted with the pink blooms of Agrostemma githago (corn-cockle).

Jill Raggett

[jenfoundabug]

Would you like a poppy?

It comes with a hug, free of charge!

Unidentified crab spider (Thomisidae) on a California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Northern California, US

[flora-file]

Memories of Spring (by flora-file)

[rabbitcruiser]

California Poppy Day

A highly recognizable symbol, the orange-gold flower can be seen all throughout California in the spring and early summer, lining roads or encompassing entire field.

California Poppy Day offers a delightful opportunity to show honor to this precious, delicate but easy-to-grow flower!

How to Celebrate California Poppy Day

Learn Fun Facts About Poppies

California Poppy Day is often used as an educational opportunity for school teachers, parents and other educators. Kids and adults alike can use this event to celebrate and showcase information and fun facts about this unique flower along with other plants native to the state.

Check out and share some of these fun facts to get started with:

The Latin name for the California poppy is Eschscholzia californica

Poppies only bloom when the sun is out, so they close on cloudy days or at night

These flowers are easy to maintain and they are self-seeding, with each pod bearing up to 100 seeds that can spread up to six feet

Well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the state, the California poppy is extremely drought resistant

Visit California for Poppies

One of the most ideal ways to give a nod to California Poppy Day might be to schedule a trip to see them in person!

Typically blooming in the spring, from late February to early May, poppies are prolific in many places throughout the state. Start with the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in the Lancaster area, in north Los Angeles County.

Walker Canyon, Joshua Tree National Park, and North Table Mountain are just a few of the many amazing places in California where poppies can be enjoyed.

Grow Some Garden Poppies

In honor of California Poppy Day, consider including some of these amazing wildflowers in the garden. Many varieties of poppies can be fairly easy to grow, with lots even growing in wild, rocky spaces.

Although they prefer cooler weather, poppies do need full sunlight in which to grow and bloom. Poppy seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the early spring, with plenty of water to break down the outer shell of the seed.

Germination typically takes about 2-3 weeks.

Attend California Poppy Day Events

Check out activities and events scheduled throughout the state to commemorate California Poppy Day.

Various public spaces may be providing special celebrations, including the California Nature Art Museum in Solvang, which has been known to offer free admissions in honor of the day.

Or, make plans to attend the California Poppy Festival, which takes place a couple of weeks later in the Lancaster area.

California Poppy Day FAQs

Did Native American tribes use the California poppy for medicinal purposes?

Yes, tribes like the Tongva and Cahuilla used California poppies as a natural remedy.

They crushed the plant to create poultices for toothaches and used it as a sedative for calming children.

The seeds were sometimes included in rituals for promoting sleep.

Is it true that California poppies close their petals at night?

Yes, California poppies exhibit a phenomenon called nyctinasty.

They close their petals at night or during overcast weather to protect their pollen. This behavior helps ensure successful pollination during ideal conditions.

How did the California poppy become the state’s official flower?

In 1903, the California poppy was chosen as the state flower after a statewide vote.

Its beauty and abundance symbolized the state’s natural wealth. The flower became a key part of California’s identity, even appearing in state celebrations and promotions.

Are California poppies considered invasive in some regions?

While native to California and Baja California, poppies are invasive in parts of Australia, Chile, and South Africa.

Their ability to spread quickly and dominate local ecosystems has caused ecological challenges. Despite this, they are still valued for their beauty in many areas.

Do California poppies have any spiritual or symbolic meanings?

In Native American folklore, California poppies represent rest, peace, and renewal due to their calming properties.

Some myths associate them with the cycle of life and death. Today, they’re often seen as a symbol of resilience and natural beauty.

Can California poppies be used in cooking?

Yes, both the leaves and seeds of the California poppy are edible. Leaves are often used as garnishes, while seeds add flavor to baked goods or teas.

Their subtle taste complements dishes without overpowering them.

Is it illegal to pick California poppies in the wild?

While there’s no specific law protecting the flower, picking poppies on public land or private property without permission can be illegal.

Trespassing laws or conservation rules may apply in some areas. It’s best to admire them in their natural habitat.

How do California poppies adapt to different climates?

California poppies thrive in diverse climates, from coastal areas to deserts.

Their deep taproots allow them to access water in arid conditions, making them highly drought-tolerant.

This adaptability helps them flourish in regions with extreme temperature changes.

What role did the California poppy play during the Gold Rush?

During the Gold Rush, settlers noticed the bright orange fields of California poppies.

Many called them “fields of gold,” connecting the flowers to their dreams of prosperity.

The poppy’s vivid color became an enduring symbol of hope and opportunity.

Are there any festivals dedicated to the California poppy?

Yes, the California Poppy Festival in Lancaster celebrates the bloom each spring.

Visitors enjoy art exhibits, live music, and food inspired by the poppy’s beauty. The event highlights the ecological and cultural importance of this iconic flower.

History of California Poppy Day

Though California Poppy Day was only officially established in 2010, the poppy has a history in the state that can be traced back to the 19th century.

In fact, the poppy was selected as the state flower by the California State Floral Society in 1890.

This decision was then confirmed by state legislature on March 2, 1903 and, seventy years later, the law was amended to include this date as a statewide celebration.

Source

[allthingsfern]

California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) III; Google Charleston East Building. Mountain View, 05-13-23.

[thelethalsilence]

[faguscarolinensis]

Eschscholzia californica / California Poppy at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC

[quasieli]

[ID copied from alt text: A digital bust drawing of a NPC from my D&D campaign Eschscholzia (they/them), set against a gradient purple-green background with neon green action lines surrounding their head. Eschscholzia is a young, fat, tan complexion Elf with a neon green Chelsea cut and green eyes with black sclera. They are wearing a dark purple shirt with a thin lined black pattern, a black cape, a red bandana tied around their neck, and a pair of purple lens goggles on top of their head. They are smiling as they point at themself with both pointer fingers. End description.]

Another very cool revenge piece I got from Art Fight, this one of my newest punk child, drawn by the awesome ORiiiON 💚💚💚

[colorsoutofearth]

Mexican Gold Poppy (Eschscholzia californica mexicana) flowering in spring

Photos by Rolf Nussbaumer

[thebotanicalarcade]

n96_w1150 by Biodiversity Heritage Library Via Flickr: Horae physicae Berolinenses : Bonnae :Adolphi Marcus,1820. biodiversitylibrary.org/page/11630591