Eschscholzia papastillii
Mojave poppy
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Family: Papaveraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eschscholzia papastillii (Mojave poppy) is a native California herb in the Papaveraceae family, recognized by few leaf segments and funnel-shaped receptacle.
Mojave poppy is a California native annual found in desert washes, flats, and slopes across desert regions. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with delicate petals 10 to 25 millimeters long that emerge from nodding buds. Growing with erect, open stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall and completely glabrous, the plant has a distinctive growth habit. Its leaves feature slender segments that taper to acute or acuminate tips, with the uppermost cauline leaves having 1 to 3 narrow segments. Each flower is subtended by a leaf, creating a delicate and structured appearance in the desert landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinguished by few leaf segments and funnel-shaped receptacle
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert washes, flats, slopes
Outside California: Baja California (likely in western Arizona)
Bloom period
Eschscholzia papastillii blooms Feb-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 papastillii native to California?
Yes. Eschscholzia papastillii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eschscholzia papastillii bloom?
Eschscholzia papastillii blooms Feb-May.
What plant family does Eschscholzia papastillii belong to?
Eschscholzia papastillii is in the Papaveraceae family, genus Eschscholzia.
What habitat does Eschscholzia papastillii grow in?
Eschscholzia papastillii grows in Desert washes, flats, slopes.
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.