Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	California Poppy
MainColor	Yellow
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Native
Season	May
ImageUrl	Eschscholzia-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Non_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A vibrant annual with bright orange or yellow silky flowers, blooming from late spring through summer. It’s drought-tolerant and popular in UK gardens for wildflower meadows and borders. It also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Distribution

Native to western North America. Widely cultivated in the UK and occasionally naturalised in southern regions.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Used in herbal medicine for mild sedative effects and to ease anxiety and insomnia.

Edibility

Not edible – used medicinally, but only in controlled preparations.

Human Toxicity

Contains alkaloids that may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts.

Pet Toxicity

Mildly toxic – ingestion may cause drooling, vomiting, or lethargy in pets.

Active Compounds

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, including californidine and eschscholtzine.