Tufted Poppy
Eschscholzia caespitosa
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © lilyserrao (iNaturalist #88496569)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Papaveraceae
- Genus:
- Eschscholzia
- Species:
- Eschscholzia caespitosa
- USDA Symbol:
- ESCA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 25 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Reseeds readily after fire; adapted to California's fire-prone grasslands and chaparral edges.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers open, sunny areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Sow seed on surface or lightly covered; prefers cool temperatures for germination. Direct sow in fall in mild climates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: 45-90 days of cool/moist stratification at approximately 38°F to break dormancy
Establishment: This plant's range is primarily contained to California and Oregon.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Resents transplanting.