Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Eschscholzia californica Cham.

Fully hardy, variable mat-forming annual with numerous single orange, red, yellow or white flowers from late winter to summer.  In mild climates it will flower freely from mid-winter.  Self seeds very readily.  To 30cm.  A spectacular plant when planted in drifts.  [RHSE, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It appears to be herbaceous and quite hardy, growing bushy, and producing great quantities of flowers from June till the approach of winter.  [LBC no.1635/1832].  Introduced to Britain in 1826 by David Douglas.  [JD].  Don reports an earlier introduction, in the 1790s, presumably about 1798: ‘It was first discovered by Mr. Menzies more than 40 years ago, and plants were raised about that time in Kew Gardens.’  [Don].  ‘This singular and very beautiful plant, which already constitutes one of the most lovely ornaments of our flower border, was discovered by Mr. Menzies in 1792 […] but lay long in the Herbaria of various botanists of this country […] only known from dried specimens, and it was again reserved for a Botanist of this country to introduce it to our gardens.  The indefatigable Mr. Douglas gathered it abundantly on the North-west coast of America […] and seeds were sent to the Horticultural Society’s garden, whence they have been dispersed both at home and abroad by that valuable institution.’  [BM t.2887/1829].  BR f.1168/1828.  

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [H.101/1843].  Eschscholzia californica was marked in a copy of the Horticultural Register, August 1831.  Although this originally belonged to James Bowman, it is likely that it was grown by the extended Macarthur family, probably including William, earlier than 1843. 

Notes

Published Feb 08, 2009 - 01:41 PM | Last updated Mar 08, 2010 - 11:07 AM

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The image shows finely cut leaves, flower parts and a bright yellow, single flower. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.2887, 1829.

Eschscholzia californica Cham. | BM t.2887/1829 | BHL

Family Papaveraceae
Category
Region of origin

Western USA
Synonyms
  • Chryseis californica Hook. & Arn.
Common Name

Californian poppy
Name in the Camden Park Record

Escholtzia Californica 
Confidence level high