Romneya coulteri

"Matilija Poppy"

Look for Romneya coulteri in the Arthur L. Menzies Garden of California Native Plants.

Scientific Name Romneya coulteri Common Name Matilija Poppy Family Papaveraceae Plant Type Deciduous perennial Environment Upslope or well-drained soil, full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Somewhat difficult to propogate. Prune back in Winter for best shape. Bloom Blooms in May - June. Watering extends the bloom time into September. Uses Beautiful ornamental plant. Attracts wildlife. More Info Jepson Flora Project Learn planting tips Profile Contributor: Fred Bové

You'll have no trouble finding this majestic plant! It stands four feet tall with crinkly white petals four inches across, each flower with a fluffy cluster of golden stamens in its center giving it the whimsical name of the "fried egg" poppy.

The leaves of Romneya coulteri are gray green, and its tall woody stems classify it as a sub shrub. The largest wildflower native to California, it is found in dry washes and canyons in the southern part of the state and in Baja. A drought resistant plant, it grows from underground rhizomes and can be difficult to get started. Unlike other poppies, it contains no milky juice.

Romneya coulteri, or the Matilija Poppy, is named for Chief Matilija of the Chumash Tribe who once lived in Ventura County, and for Thomas Coulter, an Irish botanist traveling in the West searching for new plants.

Contributors: Docents Joanne Taylor and Kathy McNeil