The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a member of the types of poppy of the family native to North America. This is the most disseminated through green areas of California, Mexico, and Oregon, and it was adopted as the flower of the State of California in 1890. In addition to being seen in abundance in its natural distribution area, the California poppy is cultivated largely for use in projects of beautification and reforestation of roads. The California poppies on State wild are from Orange to a golden colour, with showy flowers very distinctive shaped Cup and blue-green feathery foliage. They are annuals, easily resiembran and spread. Developed in temperate climates, a California poppy can flower nearly year-round, while the flowering period occurs in summer, even more so in regions that have colder winters. The flowers bloom only during the day, closing at night or in cloudy conditions, also when there is not enough sunlight.
The plants prefer the bright areas and well drained soils, but can thrive in hard floors such as those found adjacent to the ocean. Botanists have discovered a number of subspecies, some of which seem to be especially adapted to specific regions, but in general all have the same medicinal properties of the poppy, which makes a very useful for current medicine plant. Outside its natural distribution area, the California poppy is sometimes taken as an invasive species. Because flowers are reset prolifically and thrive in a lot of environments, so they can be quickly out of control, especially in sensitive areas with native plants. Variety of plants of this type including white, pink and red poppies have been developed in this way, so the California poppy is very attractive to gardeners but always increases the risk that the plant extends beyond the natural distribution area. Some botanists have also expressed concern about the dangers of crossing between native and cultivated species.
This plant is also known as Gold Cup, referring to the vivid colors that owns. People who are interested in seeing the California poppies in its native environment may consider visiting the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (Valley of the antelope reserve the poppy of California), which has vast plains of poppies, all of them of color bright gold during the flowering season. These plants also tend to appear after fires and other events that push the development of native vegetation. landscaping in the highways of U.S. programs have been decorated with the California poppy since these plants grow quickly, are attractive and can withstand the harsh conditions of the road. Poppies can also be used to control the causes of erosion, reducing landslides that can block a road during the rainy season. Vegetation restoration programmes may also be used the California poppies in order to beautify the land and enrich it so that other species can be gradually introduced.
