May 2025 by Ranger Danny  

Springtime and the California Poppy
Whether walking in Sycamore Grove Park or riding your bike through any of the trails of Livermore, it’s hard not to notice the beautiful colors of spring popping up all around you. One of the most abundant and, in my opinion, most beautiful flowers is our California State flower: the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica).

Beauty with Purpose
The poppy’s silky petals open in full sunlight and close at night or during cloudy weather, a trait that earned it the nickname “the cup of gold.” This behavior helps protect its pollen when pollinators are inactive, especially at night or on cold, windy days.

For Indigenous peoples of California, the poppy held cultural and medicinal value. Some tribes used parts of the plant for pain relief and relaxation. Today, the poppy still plays an important ecological role by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support local biodiversity.

A Garden Favorite with Staying Power
California poppies are beloved by gardeners and conservationists alike for their drought tolerance and low maintenance. Once established, they require very little water and often return year after year, reseeding themselves naturally.

Mythbusting the Poppy Law
You may have heard it’s illegal to pick a California poppy anywhere in the state. The truth? It’s only illegal to pick or damage them on state-owned land or without permission. If they’re growing in your own garden, you’re free to enjoy them however you like.

Golden State Spirit
The California poppy is more than just a flower—it’s a symbol of resilience, beauty, and the wild, free spirit of our state.