Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii
Red rock poppy
(c) Henrik Kibak, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Papaveraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii (Red rock poppy) is a native California herb in the Papaveraceae family, recognized by Red Rock Canyon rhyolite endemic; large glaucous plant (10–25 cm), showy 10–20 mm petals.
Red rock poppy is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in desert regions on washes, flats, and slopes, typically on rhyolite-influenced substrates at elevations below 2,600 meters. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with petals 10 to 20 millimeters long. Growing 10 to 25 centimeters tall with a spreading to erect habit, the plant has a distinctive glaucous gray or blue-gray appearance. Its leaves and stems are glabrous, creating a smooth, sleek profile across desert landscapes. The plant produces slender fruits measuring 2.4 to 4.5 centimeters in length, contributing to its delicate desert presence.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Red Rock Canyon rhyolite endemic; large glaucous plant (10–25 cm), showy 10–20 mm petals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert washes, flats, slopes, generally on rhyolite-influenced substrates
Elevation: < 2600 m
Bloom period
Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii blooms Feb-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii native to California?
Yes. Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii bloom?
Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii blooms Feb-May.
What plant family does Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii belong to?
Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii is in the Papaveraceae family, genus Eschscholzia.
Is Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii rare or endangered?
Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii grow in?
Eschscholzia minutiflora subsp. twisselmannii grows in Desert washes, flats, slopes, generally on rhyolite-influenced substrates.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.