The California State Flower
The golden poppy was selected over a century ago, to reign as the State Flower of California. It was voted in as the state flower in 1903, winning the majority vote over two other contenders.
The golden poppy first emerged on the scene in 1820, so it had been around for 64 years at the time its sovereignty commenced.
Scientific Name
The Scientific name of golden poppy is Eschscholzia californica.
Geographic Origin
The golden plant was very useful to early native population them. It was used as food, and they derived oil from it. The Indians also made make-up from the pollen.
When Adelbert Von Chamisso anchored in an inlet in San Francisco, the hills were surrounded with golden flowers. The naturalist dubbed the flora Eschscholzia californica.
Description and Characteristics
The golden poppy is a little plant, and bears only one flower per stem It blooms about 12 inches high, with a light green foliage. The Golden Poppy bears flowers with four wide petals. The petals fold up at night and on overcast days.
Vital Statistics:
- Each stalk has just one flower
- The leaves, similar to ferns, are separated into thin sections
- Poppies have four petals that look like fans
- Poppies are located in the wide-open plain
Adaptation
The wildflower is very resistant to dry weather so it adapts well to the California climate. The poppy’s home is Southern California, but flower has spread to other parts of the country as well. As as might be expected, the golden poppy is at its most gorgeous when it blooms wild and colorful on the plains of California.
California Poppy Day is celebrated every year in April. When you get away from the city to relax in the quiet countryside, the State Flower of California will greet you. The tall stalks of the poppy wave over the plains today, just as they did a century ago.
Pictures
Click thumbnails to see pictures:
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