Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Papaveraceae

Genus:

Eschscholzia

Species:

Eschscholzia lemmonii

USDA Symbol:

ESLE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

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; seeds may persist in soil seed bank and germinate following disturbance.

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:

Prefers open, sunny areas often found in grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Sow in fall or early spring; prefers cool temperatures for germination. Direct sow preferred as poppies dislike transplanting.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI