How much sun does Tufted california-poppy need?

Tufted california-poppy grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tufted california-poppy bloom?

Tufted california-poppy blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Tufted california-poppy native?

Tufted california-poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Tufted california-poppy attract?

Tufted california-poppy draws bees.

Tufted california-poppy

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eschscholzia caespitosa

Last reviewed: November 2026

Tufted california-poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa) is a annual forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Tufted california-poppy, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Tufted california-poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa) 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

4"–12" H × 6"–10" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

A small, tufted annual poppy relative with finely divided blue-green foliage and cheerful bright yellow cup-shaped flowers held on thin stems. It stays compact and mounded through its short spring bloom season.

Growing Tufted california-poppy

Grow Tufted california-poppy in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 10 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The open cup flowers are readily worked by native bees for pollen during spring wildflower season.

Common questions

How much sun does Tufted california-poppy need?: Tufted california-poppy grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tufted california-poppy bloom?: Tufted california-poppy blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Tufted california-poppy native?: Tufted california-poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Tufted california-poppy attract?: Tufted california-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

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

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