Creamcups
Platystemon californicus
Family: Papaveraceae
What it is like
Platystemon californicus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Open grassy clay or sandy places, also on burns, usually below 900 metres in California.
South-western N. America - Oregon to California, Arizonia, Utah and Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked. Used as greens.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in a sunny position in most soils. A highly polymorphic species, it is considered by some botanists to be an aggregate species of up to 60 segregates. The flowers have a delicate sweet perfume.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or early autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist