Plant: An herb with stems up to 2 feet tall. Named for Dr. Johann Friedrich
Eschscholtz (1793-1831), a surgeon and naturalist who came with the
Russian expeditions to the Pacific Coast in 1816 and 1824.
Flowers: The 4 satiny, showy, orange petals are up to 2 ½ inches
long. At maturity, the seed vessel opens abruptly with an almost
audible pop and throws the seed some distance.
Stem and Leaf: The leaves are dissected into many narrow segments.
Flowering period:
February to September
Use by Indians:
The leaves were used as greens.
Use by Spanish Californians:
They made a hair dressing by frying the blossoms
in olive oil and adding perfume. They thought it
made their hair grow and shine.