Poppies

Eschscholzia spp

Eschscholzia species are vibrant and drought-tolerant plants that can add both color and ecological value to an Arizona pollinator garden. This plant produces delicate, cup shaped flowers that are attractive to native bees, such as bumblebees and sweat bees.

Additionally, some Eschscholzia species are hosts for the larvae of the coastal green hairstreak butterfly, making it a valuable addition for supporting local ecosystems.

Some common species of Eschscholzia found in the low desert are:

  • Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) can perennialize and grows to 20″ tall and produces yellow, orange or yellow-orange flowers in February-May.
  • Eschscholzia glyptosperma (Desert Poppy) is an annual that grows to 10″ tall and produces yellow flowers in February-May.
  • Eschscholzia mexicana (Mexican gold poppy), also referred to as Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana, is an annual growing to 14″ and produces yellow or orange flowers in February-May.
  • Eschscholzia minutiflora (Small-flowered poppy)
  • Eschscholzia cespitosa (Tufted poppy)

Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Native and Near-native
Origin: Southwestern United States
Family: Papaveraceae
Size: Varies by species
Sun: Full
Watering: Drought tolerant, water deeply every 2-3 weeks
Growth Rate: Fast to moderate
Soil: Tolerant
Temperature: Tolerant of heat and drought, but may die back in extreme cold
Pruning:
Disease and Pests:
Uses: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Larval host for the coastal green hairstreak butterfly
Notes: 

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