ABSTRACT
Eschscholtzia californica Cham, is one of seven to twelve species within the genus, and is a member of the Papaveraceae. The native distribution of this species includes Oregon, California, and northern Mexico, but it has been introduced and become naturalized in Australia, New Zealand, and India. 1 , 2 , 4 , 7 , 10 , 14 This widespread and diverse habitat can be attributed to the ability of the species to tolerate extremes in temperature and moisture availability. Eschscholtzia species are most commonly found along coastlines, in valleys, and among foothills. 6 , 7 Four different ecotypes of California poppy have been identified. 7 , 10 The “typical” perennial form has yellow flowers and smooth, glaucous leaves which are broadly compact. It is generally found along the Pacific coastline of North America and Mexico. An “inland” ecotype, also perennial, has been classified as the variety crocea by Jepson 7 and grows within valleys. The smooth, glaucous leaves are less compact than the “typical” type, and the flower color and size vary uniquely with the season. The first flush of spring flowers is large and deep orange, quite different from the smaller and pale yellow blooms which are subsequently produced during the summer. Discrepancies occur within the literature as to the distinction between the “typical” form and variety crocea. Hoover 6 makes no distinction between the two and classifies the group as E. californica var. californica. The variety peninsularis (Greene)Munz is another “inland” ecotype which is morphologically similar to the variety crocea; however, peninsularis is an annual. The fourth form, E. californica var. maritima Jepson, is perennial and grows primarily on coastal dunes. The leaves are prostrate, grey, pitted, and pubescent; the flowers are lemon yellow with an orange dot at the base of the petal.
