California Poppy Herb (Eschscholzia californica) — Bulk Dried Herb
California Poppy Herb (Eschscholzia californica)
The California Poppy is one of the most beloved wildflowers of the American West — a cheerful, golden-orange annual whose silky petals carpet the hillsides of California each spring in one of nature’s most spectacular botanical displays. The state flower of California, Eschscholzia californica is a member of the poppy family but is entirely distinct from and unrelated to the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and contains none of the same alkaloids. It is a gentle, non-addictive botanical with a long history of use among the indigenous peoples of California and the American Southwest.
Our California Poppy is certified organic, cut and sifted from the whole aerial plant including root, harvested at peak flowering.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Eschscholzia californica
- Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy family)
- Common Names: California Poppy, Golden Poppy, Cup of Gold, Copa de Oro
- Plant Part Used: Whole aerial herb (including root)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Western North America
- Appearance: Dried green herb with orange flower remnants and fine feathery leaves
- Aroma: Mildly aromatic, slightly bitter, faintly floral
- Flavor Profile: Mildly bitter, slightly earthy
About the Plant
Native to the Pacific Coast of North America from southern Washington to Baja California, Eschscholzia californica is a variable annual or short-lived perennial that grows in open, sunny habitats including grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed soils. It produces finely divided, blue-green feathery leaves and solitary four-petaled flowers in shades of golden orange, yellow, and occasionally white or pink. The flowers open in sunlight and close at night and in cloudy weather. The plant was named by the German botanist Adelbert von Chamisso in honor of his colleague Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz during the Romanzov Expedition of 1815–1818. It is the official state flower of California.
Traditional Context
California Poppy was used by numerous indigenous peoples of California and the American Southwest, including the Costanoan, Pomo, and other nations, who used various parts of the plant in their botanical traditions. It was documented by early European botanical explorers of the Pacific Coast and has been used in Western herbalism since the 19th century. It is classified as a gentle nervine botanical in contemporary Western herbal practice.
Important Note
California Poppy is entirely distinct from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It does not contain morphine, codeine, or any opiate alkaloids and is not a controlled substance. It is a safe, gentle botanical with a long history of traditional use.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol or glycerin extraction
- Herbal Blends: Pairs well with Passionflower, Valerian, and Lemon Balm in traditional relaxing formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Whole Plant (aerial parts + root)
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried California Poppy maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.