California State flower - History & Significance

The California poppy, also called the golden poppy, cup of gold, or California sunlight, has been picked as the official flower of the state of California. In a bittersweet nod to California's past during the "gold rush," this flower was selected as the state's official symbol on March 2nd, 1903. The bright orange California flower truly represents the Golden State, and it probably reminds people of the "fields of gold" that prospectors were trying to find during the time of the gold rush.

What is the California State flower?

On March 2, 1903 the California Poppy, Eschscholzia Californica, became the official state flower of California (CA).

How the Poppy Came to Represent California- The History

The California poppy was given its scientific name, Eschscholzia Californica, by the naturalist Adelbert von Chamisso. He named it after a surgeon and bug collector, J.F Eschocholtz, who was also aboard the same Russian boat, the Rurick, that was exploring North America. While this flower blooms naturally outdoors, you can easily grow it in your home garden too. The poppy fast became well-liked among European horticulturists because of its beauty and toughness, and was later presented to gardens all over the world.

In 1890, California's state legislature officially designated the California Poppy as the state flower. Also, April 6th was declared as California Poppy Day. Furthermore, the state established the California Poppy Festival, which takes place each year in the city of Lancaster. This festival celebrates the state flower and the symbol it represents. In addition, the poppy is a nice bright spot of color that many people enjoy seeing during springtime in California.

Cultural Significance of Poppy to Native Californians

Since it was chosen as the state flower, Californians really love the golden poppy flower. Its super bright and cheerful look has come to represent how naturally beautiful California is. You see the poppy in tons of art pieces, books, and stories, and even on the big signs at the borders that welcome you to the state.

Every year there's this big festival just for the California Poppy too. It's called the California Poppy Festival. At it, they make these fun and creative exhibits with poppies so people can learn about them while also thinking they're admirable to look at. They aim to educate people about the flower. The festival draws thousands of visitors each time too. It's really popular with people excited to celebrate the pretty orange blossom that helps symbolize their home state.

Ecological Significance of the Golden Poppy

The state flower of California actually does a super important job in helping California's natural environment or ecosystem. It gives nectar and pollen to lots of critters that live there naturally such as different types of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Those little seeds the poppy makes are also a snack for birds and little furry animals.

Since it's a plant that originated in California naturally on its own, the poppy helps keep all the different types of living things in the state. It offers shelter and food for other native species that have always called California home. By supporting other local animals and bugs, the poppy plays a key role in maintaining California's biodiversity, which means keeping various different plants and animals thriving there. The California national flower is an important piece in the puzzle that makes up the gorgeous Golden State's natural places.

Looking to brighten someone's day with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers from your nearby Roseville CA Florist? Judy's Blossom Shop has a lovely selection of spring poppies and other seasonal blooms available for local delivery. Simply browse Judy's Blossom Shop online gallery to choose the bouquet you'd like to send, then place your order on their website at Judy's Blossom Shop in Roseville CA.