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Description
Dendromecon Rigida, commonly known as the bush poppy, is a shrub that is native to California in the United States. It is a member of the Papaveraceae family and is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, and it has a rounded shape with multiple stems. The leaves are green and are covered in a thick layer of hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. The plant’s sap is yellow and is known to be toxic if ingested.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Dendromecon |
Appearance
The bush poppy is a large shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded shape with multiple stems that grow from the ground, and its leaves are green and covered in a thick layer of hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. The plant’s flowers are bright yellow and bloom in the spring and summer. They are large and showy, with four petals that are arranged in a cup shape. The flowers are followed by seed pods that are long and narrow, and they turn brown as they mature.
Care Guide
To care for a bush poppy, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it should be planted in an area that receives full sun. In terms of watering, the plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring and summer, using a balanced fertilizer that is formulated for shrubs. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The bush poppy is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. It may also be attacked by aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. In addition, the plant’s sap can be toxic if ingested, so it should be kept away from children and pets.
Habitat
The bush poppy is native to California and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of California, and it prefers well-draining soils that are not too alkaline.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the bush poppy a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s bright yellow flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can the bush poppy be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it will require regular watering and fertilization to thrive.
Q: Is the bush poppy easy to propagate?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or by division in the spring or fall.
Q: Is the bush poppy invasive?
A: No, the plant is not considered invasive and does not pose a threat to native ecosystems.
Related Plants
- Dendromecon harfordii
- Dendromecon flexuosus
- Dendromecon rigida subsp. harfordii
- Dendromecon rigida subsp. trichocarpa
References
- Calflora. (n.d.). Dendromecon rigida Nutt. Bush poppy. Retrieved from https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Dendromecon+rigida
- Las Pilitas Nursery. (n.d.). Dendromecon rigida. Retrieved from https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/159–dendromecon-rigida
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Dendromecon rigida. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/California_Invasive_Plant_Council/Cal-IPC_Database/Dendromecon_rigida
