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Native Plants Anywhere

California poppy

Eschscholzia californica

California poppy
Photo: (c) Annette Herz, some rights reserved (CC BY) ยท iNaturalist

๐Ÿฆ‹ Wildlife value: supports pollinators and wildlife.

About California poppy

California poppies are a joy to grow and a gift to wildlife in your garden. These cheerful orange and gold flowers bloom abundantly and attract bees and other pollinators who need native plants for food. The delicate, silky petals seem to glow in sunlight, bringing warmth and color to any bed or border. Best of all, they're low-maintenance plants that thrive on neglect once established, so you can enjoy their beauty without constant fussing.

Plant California poppies in a sunny spot with decent drainage and scatter the seeds directly where you want them to grow. They're forgiving about soil conditions and actually prefer it lean rather than rich. Water them occasionally when young, then let nature take over. These cheerful natives will reward you with months of blooms and the satisfaction of supporting your local ecosystem.

Native to 47 states