Pretty annual
that is the state flower of California. There a number of different varieites
having flowers ranging from white (pictured at left 'Alba') to orange
and red. Plants are annuals but reseed easily. Will grow in a wide range
of soils and can survive arid climates and short drought conditions. They
do enjoy sandy soils and do best with well draining soil. Flowers bloom
throughout spring and summer and are naturally pollinated by beetles in
California, but often by bees elsewhere.
Historically, the California poppy was used medicinally, as a sedative
(it does not contain the alkaloids found in opium poppies), and to treat
toothaches, headaches, and sores. Parts of the plant are edible.
Origin: Native to North America.