Bristly Matilija Poppy

Romneya trichocalyx

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Papaveraceae
Genus:
Romneya
Species:
Romneya trichocalyx
USDA Symbol:
ROTR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
250 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from deep rhizomes after fire. Native to fire-prone chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities in Southern California.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, rocky slopes and chaparral

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and may germinate erratically over several months. Smoke treatment or fire scarification may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Seeds should be exposed to charred wood or aqueous extracts of it for increased germination.

Establishment: R. trichocalyx is commonly found within the mattoral vegetation association of California.

Source: npn.rngr.net