Species of the Week

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) 🧡🌼

A true icon of the Golden State, the California Poppy has been the official state flower since 1903. Its vibrant orange blooms are often seen as a floral tribute to California’s “fields of gold” from the Gold Rush era. While best known for their orange color, these poppies can also appear in shades of red, yellow, and white. The California Poppy doesn’t produce nectar but offers plentiful pollen, making it a favorite among pollinators. The dark central spot absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light, creating a visual contrast with the petals, essentially a glowing bullseye for pollinators. The flowers also exhibit nyctinasty, closing at night and reopening during the day to follow the sun.