When does the tree poppy bloom?

Dendromecon rigida typically flowers from March through June, with its bright yellow blooms appearing most heavily in spring.

How much sun does Dendromecon rigida need?

This shrub performs best in full sun. It is adapted to open, exposed chaparral and hillside sites with strong light exposure.

How much water does the tree poppy require?

It needs very little supplemental water once established and prefers dry, fast-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root rot in this drought-adapted shrub.

What pollinators visit Dendromecon rigida flowers?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its open yellow flowers, which offer pollen but little or no nectar.

Is the tree poppy evergreen or deciduous?

Dendromecon rigida is evergreen, keeping its gray-green leaves year round rather than dropping them seasonally.

Is Tree-poppy HOA-friendly?

Tree-poppy is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Tree-poppy

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dendromecon rigida

Last reviewed: September 2026

Dendromecon rigida is an evergreen shrub with bright yellow, poppy-like flowers that bloom from March through June. It grows well in full sun on dry, rocky, well-drained slopes typical of California chaparral.

Tree-poppy (Dendromecon rigida) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Dendromecon rigida is an attractive evergreen shrub with bright golden-yellow flowers that bloom prolifically in spring and early summer. It has distinctive silvery-blue foliage and woody stems that create a striking architectural presence in drought-tolerant landscapes. This native shrub brings a sunny, cheerful element to gardens while requiring minimal water.

Growing Tree-poppy

Grow Tree-poppy in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tree-poppy is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Can appear somewhat rangy or open in structure without occasional pruning
May self-seed if spent flowers aren't removed
Woody appearance in winter might not appeal to all HOAs

Wildlife value

Tree-poppy flowers provide valuable nectar for native bees and attract various beetles as pollinators. The plant serves as an important early-season food source when many other natives aren't yet blooming.

Common questions

When does the tree poppy bloom?: Dendromecon rigida typically flowers from March through June, with its bright yellow blooms appearing most heavily in spring.
How much sun does Dendromecon rigida need?: This shrub performs best in full sun. It is adapted to open, exposed chaparral and hillside sites with strong light exposure.
How much water does the tree poppy require?: It needs very little supplemental water once established and prefers dry, fast-draining soil. Overwatering can cause root rot in this drought-adapted shrub.
What pollinators visit Dendromecon rigida flowers?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its open yellow flowers, which offer pollen but little or no nectar.
Is the tree poppy evergreen or deciduous?: Dendromecon rigida is evergreen, keeping its gray-green leaves year round rather than dropping them seasonally.
Is Tree-poppy toxic to dogs?: Tree-poppy is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Tree-poppy toxic to cats?: Tree-poppy is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Tree-poppy HOA-friendly?: Tree-poppy is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Tree-poppy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz