California Poppy

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a herbaceous perennial plant that is cultivated as if it were an annual plant. It’s a California, Arizona and Oregon native. It was introduced in Europe in the nineteenth century by the German botanist von Eschscholtz, hence the genus name. The flowers are yellow, white or orange, and sometimes reddish.  Native Americans not only ate this plant, but also took full advantage of its multiple properties as a medicinal plant. In fact, it’s used in herbal medicine because it promotes relaxation and sleep in times of stress.