Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis
Tejon poppy, Tejon Poppy
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Family: Papaveraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis (Tejon poppy) is a native California herb in the Papaveraceae family, recognized by erect buds and round seeds.
Tejon poppy is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in the southwestern Tehachapi Mountains and northern Western Transverse Ranges in open grasslands, generally on loose, calcareous soils at elevations of 200 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces golden-yellow flowers in erect, glabrous buds that emerge delicately above the grassland. Growing with erect stems rising distinctively from the ground, it forms a slender, upright annual structure. Its finely divided leaves create a soft, feathery appearance characteristic of the poppy family. The fruit develops as a round to elliptic seed, completing the plant's brief but vibrant annual cycle.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by erect buds and round seeds
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open grassland, generally in loose, calcareous soils
Elevation: 200-1000 m
California counties: Kern
Bloom period
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Papaver: Eschscholzia sepals form pointed cap that pops off; Papaver has 2 separate hairy sepals.; vs Artemisia: Eschscholzia has 4-petaled flowers; Artemisia has tiny clustered flower heads, no petals.; vs Dendromecon: Eschscholzia is herbaceous annual; Dendromecon is woody shrub with undivided leaves.; vs Afropapaver: Eschscholzia has cup-shaped receptacle; Afropapaver has flat receptacle.; vs Camissoniopsis: Eschscholzia has numerous stamens; Camissoniopsis has exactly 8 stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis native to California?
Yes. Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis bloom?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis grow?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis occurs in Kern, at elevations of 200-1000 m.
What plant family does Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis belong to?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis is in the Papaveraceae family, genus Eschscholzia.
Is Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis rare or endangered?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. kernensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.