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Description
Eschscholzia Californica, commonly known as California Poppy, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. It is native to California, USA, and can also be found in Oregon, Washington, and Mexico. It is the state flower of California and is known for its vibrant orange color and delicate petals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Eschscholzia |
Appearance
Eschscholzia Californica has a height of up to 12 inches and a spread of up to 18 inches. Its leaves are blue-green in color and finely divided, giving it a feathery appearance. The flowers are cup-shaped, with four petals and range in color from bright orange to yellow. The center of the flower has a distinct black mark. The flowers bloom from late winter to early summer and are followed by long, slender seed pods.
Care Guide
Eschscholzia Californica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Here are some tips for caring for Eschscholzia Californica:Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Eschscholzia Californica prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant needs full sun exposure to thrive.Hardiness Zones: Eschscholzia Californica grows well in hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eschscholzia Californica is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Eschscholzia Californica is native to California, USA, and can also be found in Oregon, Washington, and Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. The plant is adapted to hot and dry conditions and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q. Is Eschscholzia Californica an annual or perennial plant?
A. Eschscholzia Californica is a perennial plant that can reseed itself.Q. Can Eschscholzia Californica be grown in containers?
A. Yes, Eschscholzia Californica can be grown in containers as long as they are well-drained.Q. How often should I fertilize Eschscholzia Californica?
A. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q. How do I propagate Eschscholzia Californica?
A. Eschscholzia Californica can be propagated by seed or by division.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Eschscholzia Californica:- Papaver orientale- Papaver rhoeas- Papaver somniferum- Argemone mexicana- Meconopsis cambrica
References
– “Eschscholzia californica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a284.- “Eschscholzia californica.” Plant of the Week, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/eschscholzia_californica.shtml.- “California Poppy.” National Garden Bureau, ngb.org/year-of-the-poppy/california-poppy/.
