Matilija poppy - The Watershed Nursery

The Watershed Nursery
www.thewatershednursery.com
Matilija poppy
Papaveraceae
Romneya coulteri
Sun:
Water:
Soil:
Other:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Dry, Light
Clay, Loam, Sand, Rocky
Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Deer
Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control
Ecological Value:
The flowers are attractive to bees, birds and butterflies.
Historical Uses:
Applied topically to treat sunburn. Watery substance in the stalk
used as a beverage.
Native Distribution:
Endemic to California. It is included in the CNPS Inventory of
Rare and Endangered Plants on list 4.2 (limited distribution).
In the Garden
This popular evergreen shrub can grow from 8-10
ft tall and may grow extensively in width. It's
expansive growth make it perfect for erosion
control.
Hailed as the prize of California's wildflowers, the
Matilija poppy is definitely striking. The flowers are
the largest of any species native to California,
reaching 6-8 in wide.
The colossal papier-mâché flowers are white with a
yellow center, blooming from July until mid-Fall,
with a slight citrus scent in full bloom. Can be
temperamental at the start, but once established the
plant's flowers and foliage are truly beautiful.
Nominated for the honor of state flower in 1890.
Elevation:
Between 1 and 4,000 feet.
Plant Communities:
Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub
Habitat:
Found in dry washes and canyons away from the immediate
coast.