Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Papaver californicum is a species of poppy known by the common names fire poppy and western poppy. It is endemic to California, where it is found in the coastal counties south of the San Francisco Bay Area. It grows in chaparral, woodlands, and other local habitat, often in places that have recently burned. This annual herb grows a hairy to hairless stem which may exceed half a meter in height. The flower atop the mostly naked stem has usually four petals one or two centimeters long. They are orange in color with green bases.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Orange, Green

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Ease of care

Moderate

Sunset Zones

7, 8, 9, 14*, 15, 16, 18, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Site type

Open, disturbed places

Plant communities

Chaparral, Northern Oak Woodland, Southern Oak Woodland

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 2 likely

Confirmed Likely

Corn Earworm Moth

Helicoverpa zea

Armyworm Moth

Mythimna unipuncta