Bush Poppy Seeds|Dendromecon rigida|California Native Wildflower|Native Plants|Native Seeds|Southwestern Wildflowers|Gardening|Rare|Organic

The Bush Poppy or Tree Poppy is a shrub native to California and Baja California, rarely exceeding 3 meters tall. The leaves are alternate, narrow lance-shaped, 3-10 centimeters long, more than three times as long as broad. The margin of the leaves is finely toothed. The plant is evergreen and the leaves are somewhat leathery to the touch. If happy, it can grow up to 6 feet in two years. The flower clusters are solitary and terminal. The flowers are 2-7 centimeters in diameter, with four satiny yellow petals. Plants bloom in late winter to mid-spring. The receptacle is funnel-shaped and surrounds the ovary base. Two sepals are shed when the flower blooms, and the petals are shed as well after pollination. There are many free stamens. The fruits produced are cylindric from the base; the fruits measure 5-10 centimeters long. The many seeds are smooth, brown or black, with a small pale outgrowth.

This is a tough and beautiful plant but only if planted in the right conditions. Does best on rocky clay slopes with excellent draining. If planted in sandier soils, it can handle supplementary water up to once a month. Prefers full sun. Flowers are beautiful, as are the long, thin, blue-green leaves. Packet will contain 10 seeds.