Californian Poppy, Cup of Gold
Eschscholzia californica
Family: Papaveraceae
What it is like
An annual plant. It grows 20-30 cm high and 15-20 cm wide. The leaves are feather like and blue-green. The stems are thin. The flower buds are pointed. The open flowers are cup-shaped and 8 cm across. The petals are silky looking. They are usually orange but can be purple, crimson or white. There are named varieties.
There are 8 or 10 Eschscholzia species. It can be invasive. It is the official flower of California. It is used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It does best in full sun. It can grow in sandy soils. The soils need to be well drained. It can grow with moderate moisture or in fairly dry places. It does not do well in humid regions. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Britain, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, East Africa, Europe, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Korea, Malawi, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, North America (country/location of origin), Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, SE Asia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South America, Spain, Tanzania, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: Because it contains alkaloids, it should be eaten with caution. The boiled and roasted leaves are eaten. They are bitter. They are left lying in water to remove bitterness.
Edible parts
Leaves, caution
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. It is difficult to transplant. Therefore seed are sown directly in the field.
Its other names
Local names
Bein-pan, Zlati kalifornijski mak