XEschscholzia californica - California PoppyX
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California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), family Papaveraceae (Poppy)
There are only 12 species in this genus. WIKIPEDIA has this on the plant: 'These flowers have the habit of closing in cloudy weather'. The taproot gives off a colorless or orange milky juice. These plants are mildly toxic. The best-known is the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), the state flower of California; another common in cultivation is E. lobbii, which is often sold as "Eschscholzia caespitosa", even though the two species are quite different.' End quote. The comment on the flowers closing up in cloudy weather is demonstrated in our photos. It was not only cloudy but raining off and on. We often appreciate the intensified color and shiny look that rain gives to flowers. In this case we can only offer the closed up flower. Click here to see an open California Poppy flower, by Norman G. Flaigg.
USES:
California Indian - Leaves used for toothache. Costanoan - Decoction of flowers rubbed into the hair to kill lice. Flowers laid underneath bed to put child to sleep. "Plant avoided by pregnant or lactating women as smell may be poisonous." Mahuna - Plant considered poisonous. Mendocino - Root juice used as a wash for headaches. Root juice used as a wash for suppurating sores, as an emetic, for stomachaches, used as a wash by women to stop the secretion of milk, and for the stupefying effect. Root placed in cavity of tooth for toothaches. Root juice taken for consumption. Leaves eaten as greens. Pomo, Kashaya - Mashed seed pod rubbed on a nursing mother's breast to dry up her milk. Luiseno - Flowers chewed with chewing gum. Leaves used as greens. Neeshenam - Leaves boiled or roasted, laid in water and eaten as greens. Kawaiisu - Poultice of dried, ground roots applied to venereal sores. Root used for gonorrhea and syphilis. Cahuilla - Plant used as a sedative for babies. Pollen used by women as a facial cosmetic.
TOXIC: Can be poisonous if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person?s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant?s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil. Per Wildflower.org
This species presents a good example of plants that are edible, useful, and toxic all in one. The flowers can also be yellow.
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Plant location: Found on a walk - June 28, 2007 - by the Duwamish River in Tukwila Washington. See the BONAP distribution map of the genus, with californica the most widely found, here.Plant -
Bloom period: February through September. Can grow in nutirent poor soils. Foliage -
Duwamish River - Tukwila Washington - June 28, 2007
Four beautiful stigmas, naked to the world with the flower's petals dropped. -
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