Western Poppy
Papaver crassifolium
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Papaveraceae
- Genus:
- Papaver
- Species:
- Papaver crassifolium
- USDA Symbol:
- PACA9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
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 rocky, coastal areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification for 2-4 weeks; sow in fall or early spring.
Pre-treatment: Seeds were dry stored for an unspecified period of time in which the embryo afterripened prior to germination. Seed germination is stimulated by the presence of charred wood or aqueous extracts of it.
Establishment: P. californicum is found within mattoral vegetation association of California. No conflicting information found in the protocol.
Source: npn.rngr.net