California poppy
Eschscholzia californica Cham.
Botanical family: Papaveraceae
An annual poppy native to California, with bright orange flowers that close in the evening. Unlike the opium poppy, it contains no morphine.
Full sun
Dry, poor, sandy, drained
Low, tolerates drought and poor, dry soils
Hardy (annual that self-seeds)
Sown in autumn, overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A self-seeding annual with dazzling orange flowers; an ideal flowering ground cover on poor, dry ground. A gentle medicinal, traditionally used to promote sleep.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
Flowers and aerial parts are gathered in summer.
Available: June, July, August, September.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Eschscholzia californica » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Eschscholzia+californica)
- Missouri Botanical Garden, « Eschscholzia californica » (plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=284842)
- Gerbeaud, « Semer le pavot de Californie » (gerbeaud.com/jardin/fiches/fp_pavot_californie_semis.php3)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
A mild sedative effect: not advised during pregnancy and with sedatives; for adults only. Limited clinical data.
In the kitchen & the apothecary
Where to find california poppy in preparations: recipes and traditional herbal teas.
Infusions & herbal teas
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: dry, poor, sandy, drained.