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Description
Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells, also known as California poppy, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. It is native to California, but it can also be found in other parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant is characterized by its bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Eschscholzia |
Appearance
Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells can grow up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. The plant has feathery, bluish-green leaves that are deeply divided into linear segments. Its flowers are cup-shaped and have four petals that are 1-2 inches wide. The petals are usually orange or yellow, but they can also be white or pink. The plant produces a fruit that is a long, slender, and cylindrical capsule.
Care Guide
Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in different soil types and climates. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant needs regular watering during the growing season, but it can tolerate drought once established.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade to grow properly.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also avoid overwatering and overcrowding the plants.
Habitat
Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells is native to California, where it grows in meadows, hillsides, and roadsides. The plant can also be found in other parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, where it has been introduced as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells an annual or perennial plant?
A: Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells is a perennial plant, but it is often grown as an annual.
Q: Can Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells grow in containers?
A: Yes, Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells can grow in containers, as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How long does it take for Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells to bloom?
A: Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells usually blooms in the spring or early summer, about 60-90 days after sowing.
Q: Can Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells has been used for its sedative and analgesic properties. It can also be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Eschscholzia Californica Mission Bells:- Papaver rhoeas (Common poppy)- Argemone mexicana (Mexican prickly poppy)- Chelidonium majus (Greater celandine)- Glaucium flavum (Yellow horned poppy)
References
– “Eschscholzia californica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277985&isprofile=0&- “California Poppy.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FLOWERS/california_poppy.html- “Eschscholzia californica.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/26765/eschscholzia-californica/details
