About Papaver californicum A.Gray
Papaver californicum A.Gray is an annual herb that produces a stem ranging from hairy to hairless, which can grow taller than half a meter. The flower sits atop a mostly bare stem, and typically has four petals. The petals are 1 to 2 centimeters long, orange with green-colored bases. In comparison, the petals of the similar wind poppy (Stylomecon heterophylla) have purple bases. The flowers of Papaver californicum last no more than a few days. After the seeds are scattered, they can remain dormant for many years, and smoke acts as a trigger to prompt them to germinate.
