The Golden Poppy or California Poppy is the State Flower Of California. The California Poppy has Designated as the California State Flower in 1903. The State Flower Golden Poppy is Most beautiful when setting California’s rolling hills ablaze with its golden blooms. National Flower Of California Golden Poppy (Eschscholtzia californica) is also sometimes known as the Flame Flower, La Amapola, and Copa de Oro (a cup of gold).
Eschscholtzia californica, or, the California poppy is native only to California but the Flowe is found along the entire western coast of the United States. It is found as far north as Washington state, and as far south as Mexico. It has also established itself in southern France, Australia and Chile. The State Flower Of California is usually golden orange and is referred to as “golden poppy,” hence its designation as the California (Golden State) flower.
California State Flower was selected as the state flower by the California State Floral Society in December 1890, but the state legislature did not make the selection official until 1903. April 6 is designated as California Poppy Day. Horticulturalists have produced many cultivars with a range of colors, blossoms and stem forms.
However, these cultivars will typically not breed true on successive reseeding and will need to be replanted to see the cultivar’s unique features. State Flower Of California Poppy is drought-tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to grow in gardens. It is best grown as an annual, in full sun and sandy, well-drained, poor soil. Under irrigation, it can act as a Perennial.
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae
Facts About California State Flower Golden Poppy:
1. Golden Poppy leaves are 3/4-4″ long divided into narrow segments on long stalks.
2. Golden Poppy flower is used in landscaping for a temporary spring display by scattering the seed in the fall.
3. California Indians cherished the Golden Poppy as both a source of food and for oil extracted from the plant.
4. The true California State Flower poppy genus is Papaver, but many flowers of related genera are also called poppies.
5. Golden Poppy seed, also called maw seed, is not narcotic and is used as birdseed and for a flavoring or garnish in baking.
6. Poppy oil, derived from the Golden Poppy seeds, is employed in cooking and illumination and in paints, varnishes, and soaps.