CALIFORNIA POPPY

Eschscholzia californica

ORIGIN OF PLANT / HABITAT A genus of 8 10 slender branched annuals & perennials, native to western N. America. It is the state flower of California. GROWTH It is among the most popular & easily grown annuals for dry sunny places. The foliage contains a watery sap that is mildly narcotic, used by the native N. Americans to relieve toothache. LEAF SHAPE Lanceolate, finely cut, blue-green leaves, 15 20cm long. FLOWERS Yellow to orange flowers, 5 7cm across. The poppy-like flowers close in dull or wet weather. FRUIT / SEED The flowers are followed in summer by slender curved capsules, 7 10cm long. PARTS USED Whole plant CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS E. californica is similar in effect to Papaver somniferum but not addictive, much milder & does not depress the central nervous system. ACTIONS A bitter, sedative herb that acts as a diuretic, relieves pain, relaxes spasms & promotes perspiration.

MEDICINAL USE
Internally Nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia & incontinence (especially children)

INFO REF: Brown, D. NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HERBS. D K Publishers, 2002. SPECIMEN COLLECTED My garden PE DATE 10/2003