Matilija poppy

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Matilija Poppy
Matilija poppy flower and fruit
Matilija poppy flower and fruit
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae
Genus: Romneya
Harv.
Species

Romneya coulteri
Romneya trichocalyx

The Matilija poppy or tree poppy (Romneya Harvey) is a poppy of Southern California and Northern Mexico, belonging to the poppy family (Papaveraceae).

They are perennial subshrub with a woody stem. They may grow to a height of 2.5 meters (8 ft) and a width of 1 m (35 in), with the flowers up to 13 cm (5 in) across. The silvery green leaves are deeply cut, with a small fringe of hairs at the margin.

They are notable for their large white flowers with intense yellow centers, blooming in summer. These flowers prefer a warm, sunny spot and fertile soil with good water drainage. They are not easily grown, and also difficult to remove.

Matilija poppy at Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco
Matilija poppy at Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco

The genus includes only two species:

  • Coulter's Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri) Harvey
  • Bristly Matilija poppy (Romneya trichocalyx) Eastwood - some consider this a variant Romneya coulteri var. trichocalyx
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