Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii
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Family: Papaveraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii is a native California herb in the Papaveraceae family, recognized by barrel-shaped receptacle, bur-like seed ridges, and hairy nodding buds.
Lemmon's poppy is a California native annual found in southern Sierra Nevada foothills, western Tehachapi, eastern and south-central Coast Ranges in open grasslands and chaparral at elevations of 200 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from March to May, this delicate plant produces nodding flower buds with generally hairy surfaces. Growing with spreading or erect stems, it forms loose, graceful clusters in calcareous soils. Its leaves and overall structure complement the landscape with a light, airy quality characteristic of California poppies. The plant's elliptic seeds contribute to its subtle ecological role in grassland and chaparral ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; key features are barrel-shaped receptacle, bur-like seed ridges, and hairy nodding buds
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open grassland, chaparral, generally in loose, calcareous soils
Elevation: 200-1000 m
California counties: Kern, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, Fresno, Merced
Bloom period
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii blooms Mar-May.
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. lemmonii native to California?
Yes. Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii bloom?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii grow?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii occurs in Kern, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, Fresno, Merced, at elevations of 200-1000 m.
What plant family does Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii belong to?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii is in the Papaveraceae family, genus Eschscholzia.
What habitat does Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii grow in?
Eschscholzia lemmonii subsp. lemmonii grows in Open grassland, chaparral, generally in loose, calcareous soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.