THE NOT-TO-BE-IGNORED
CALIFORNIA POPPY
Photograph by Joan Gerteis Copyright
2005.
In the very early days of exploration of western North America, Spanish explorers aboard ships approaching the California coast, it is said, were simply dazzled by the blazing golden hillsides they noted-even far out to sea-hillsides that were resplendently covered with the brilliantly colorful flowers we know as California Poppies.
The vivid views of golden-orange color that the men beheld supposedly resulted in their calling the land they looked upon the "Golden West". Hence it is felt by some that it was not the precious gold metal which they sought that the land was named after, nor its golden sunshine, but rather the lovely golden-orange native poppy.
The Spaniards named the flower "copa de ora" or cup of gold. It later became the California state flower.
Showy plants which many use as ornamentals, it has been reported that California Poppies were not found north of the Columbia River back in those early days. But their range has expanded over time as they've been widely introduced elsewhere. In fact they are "leaf-carrying", bonafide members of the "escapee" or "self-sowing" club-will just move onto adjoining lands of downtown streets, roadways, even beaches once established.
So Oceanside bluffs and beaches are not immune to their expansion. In fact, summer months find the back beach or berm (a build-up of material deposited by wave action) at Camano Island 's Cama Beach State Park in front of the park office ablaze with their orange coloration. Except for the four petalled, multi stamened flowers, California Poppies are grayish-green, with fern-like, much-divided, lacy leaves arising from their several stems. A coating referred to as glaucous is responsible for the leaves' somewhat distinctive greyish hue.
Poppies' one to two inch flowers are borne singly on long stalks-the petals being rather fan or saucer shaped. And interestingly, early-in-the-season-flowers are considered the plant's showiest. They possess deeper coloration and are somewhat larger than those produced later.
Partial to and responsive to sunlight, California Poppies open widely to drink in the rays on sunny days, but are hesitant to unlock the doors of their petal-shops on cloudy, low-light ones; or perhaps reduce their business hours. Not too surprisingly, they are not open nights.
Home gardeners delight in their extensive bloom-time-often April/May through September. And an added bonus is that the plants emit a spicy fragrance. Ready and willing pollinators therefore abound, especially beetles.
If you've tried, as I have, to move California Poppies, it's usually a no go-it simply most often does not work. However, it is widely agreed they are easy to grow from seed. And a good choice they are for dry borders, rock gardens, and casual beds.
However I have failed in a seeding effort as well. Either the seed was too old and therefore not viable, or birds ate the tiny ones I scattered. I'll probably try again with new seeds, but next time mixing the seeds with a small amount of sand before broadcasting, and then covering the mixture with a thin coating of soil so they will not be as accessible to birds.
Plant germination takes about two weeks-the soil to be kept somewhat moist during this period. But over watering is not advised once they are vigorously growing for they then seem to thrive with minimal attention.
A lady by the name of Alive Moore Earle had this to say of the poppy: "He comes and goes at will. This year a few blooms; next a blaze of color. Then a single grand blossom. The poppy is queer".
Pat Nash
Beach Watcher
Class of '94