California poppy is an upright, compact tender perennial native to California and Oregon, but is adapted throughout the western United States below 4,000 ft. in elevation.  The plants have feathery, highly dissected, blue-green leaves which clasp stems that grow from 12 to 24 inches tall.  The four petal California state flower is orange to pale yellow in color.  California poppy is adapted to many conditions, but needs well-drained soil and full sun.  In areas where winters are very mild, seed can be planted in the fall; in all other areas, plant seed in the early spring.  Once established, California poppy can reseed itself, often in colonies.  This flower is remarkably uniform, neat in appearance and has a wide range of uses including fire reseeding, revegetation, highway beautification, and home gardens. 

Photograph provided by: Charles Mann Photography