Island tree-poppy
Dendromecon harfordii
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Island tree-poppy (Dendromecon harfordii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
72"–180" H × 72"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
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Island bush poppy is an evergreen shrub with narrow blue-green leaves and bright yellow, poppy-like flowers held above the foliage in spring. It grows in coastal scrub within a very limited native range.
Wildlife value
The showy flowers attract bees seeking pollen, and the shrub's rarity in the wild makes cultivated plantings valuable for the species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Island tree-poppy need?
- Island tree-poppy grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Island tree-poppy bloom?
- Island tree-poppy blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Island tree-poppy native?
- Island tree-poppy (Dendromecon harfordii) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Island tree-poppy attract?
- Island tree-poppy draws bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Island tree-poppy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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