Poppy – California Sundew (Tufted Poppy)

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California Sundew Poppy, also known as Tufted Poppy or Foothill Poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa), is a small annual native wildflower found from southwestern Oregon through California to northern Baja California. Plants generally grow 6–12 inches tall and form compact clumps of finely divided, gray-green foliage topped with delicate yellow flowers.

Tufted Poppy grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and is well suited to dry, open sites. Its compact growth habit makes it a good choice for wildflower meadows, native plantings, borders, rock gardens, containers, and low-water landscapes.

Tufted Poppy is best established by direct seeding and can reseed naturally when mature seed is allowed to develop. It is an annual species that is particularly well suited to sites where a shorter native wildflower is desired.

Native Range

Southwestern Oregon, California, and northern Baja California.

Tufted Poppy occurs naturally in open habitats including foothill woodlands, chaparral, valley grasslands, and dry slopes.

Pacific Northwest Planting

Both fall and spring planting can be successful in the Pacific Northwest. Fall planting can provide an early start the following spring, while spring planting is also a good option when soil conditions are suitable.

Fall Planting

Fall planting is a good option in areas with suitable winter conditions. Sow after temperatures have cooled enough to prevent premature germination. The goal is to plant late enough that the seed remains dormant through winter and germinates naturally when spring conditions become favorable.

Choose a well-drained planting site, particularly in areas that remain wet during the winter.

Spring Planting

Spring planting can be successful once soil conditions are suitable. Sow directly into a prepared, firm seed bed and avoid burying the seed deeply.

Early spring planting allows the plants to take advantage of cool-season moisture before summer conditions become hot and dry.

Planting in Other Regions

Tufted Poppy is adapted to dry, open habitats and performs best in full sun and well-drained soil.

In colder climates, spring planting is generally the safest option. In areas with mild winters, fall planting can also be successful and may provide an earlier start the following spring.

In warmer regions, fall or early-season planting can allow plants to establish during cooler, wetter conditions before summer heat and dryness.

For detailed information on site preparation, seeding methods, planting depth, and general planting practices, see our Planting Directions page.

Establishment & Growth

Tufted Poppy is an annual that grows readily from seed when provided with suitable growing conditions. Direct seeding is recommended, as establishing the plants from seed in their permanent location avoids the need for transplanting.

Plants generally reach 6–12 inches tall and produce yellow flowers during spring and summer, depending on location and growing conditions.

Plants may reseed naturally when mature seed is allowed to develop.

Choosing the Right Site

Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Tufted Poppy is particularly well suited to:

• Native wildflower meadows
• Prairie and grassla
• nd plantings
• Dry slopes
• Rock gardens
• Borders
• Containers
• Naturalized landscapes
• Low-water landscapes

Avoid poorly drained or consistently wet locations.

Pollinator & Wildlife Value

Tufted Poppy provides pollen and nectar resources for flower-visiting insects, including bees. Its bright yellow flowers can add early-season color and diversity to native wildflower and pollinator plantings.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

The broadcast rate for seeding is 10–15 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 5 pounds per acre.