California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) also known as California sunlight or ‘Cup of Gold’ is a cheerfully bright flowering perennial that profilates all along the western edge of North America from Baja Sud to Northern Washington. Its bright orange blooms that open and close according to the rhythm and whims of the sun are such an iconic symbol of the region that California Poppy has been the State Flower of California since 1903. Though it does not carry any of the famously narcotic effects of its notorious cousin, the Opium Poppy, California Poppy is still sought after for its mildly calming effects and overall support of the nervous system. This calming nature paired with an extremely bitter taste makes California Poppy an ideal choice to help soothe the occasional bout of nervous indigestion, or to combine with more palatable herbs like lavender, mint and chamomile in a relaxing bedtime tea blend.
Common names: golden poppy, California sunlight, cup of gold,
Safety: No known precautions.