Mexican Gold Poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)

   
 

Spring of 2003, a great year for poppies. El Paso, Franklin Mountains in the background. The display is equally spectacular close-up. Photographs by A.H. Harris.

• Common English Names: Mexican Gold Poppy
• Common Spanish Names: Amapola del Campo
• Scientific Name: Eschscholtzia californica ssp. mexicana
• Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
• Geographic Range: Southern Nevada and southeastern California east to Trans-Pecos Texas and south into Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico.
• Plant Form: Annual plants, exceptionally to about 2 ft tall. Yellow to orange flowers to over 1" in diameter. Early spring bloomer, March to May.
• Remarks: Requires good winter precipitation for abundant flowering.

Last Update: 10 Mar 2003