Matilija Poppy
By Deborah Light-Pacheco UCCE Master Gardener
Common name of plant: Matilija poppy
Scientific name: Romneya coulteri
Planting area: Sunset zones, 4-12, 14-24: H1
Size: 6-8 feet tall, spreading
Bloom Season: late spring into summer and fall with irrigation
Exposure: full sun
Pruning needs: cut to nearly the ground in late fall
Water needs: little or no water to moderate water
Snapshot: This shrubby perennial is a beautiful native of California and Baja California. The Matilija poppy, also known as tree poppy, can spread indefinitely by rhizomes. It has thick stems with grayish-green foliage. This plant produces enormous, 4”- 8” scented blossoms, with 5-6 white crepe paper-like petals. The stamen is bright yellow making the flower look like a fried egg. The flowers may be cut and used in a vase or as part of an arrangement. However, they should be cut in the bud stage as the flowers are short lived.
Planted on a hillside, they work as a soil binder preventing erosion and if used on a roadside, they can fill out a marginal area or provide a privacy screen. Their spreading habit can be considered invasive so use caution in your placement within a yard. The Matilija poppy is tolerant of a variety of soils and once established, they can grow freely and may need to be kept in check!
In the fall, cut nearly to the ground and new shoots will sprout after winter's first rains. Matilija is deer resistant and drought tolerant.
Though this plant is prolific once established, it is a challenge to propagate. If attempting to create more plants, try digging up rooted suckers or taking cuttings from the thickest part of the stem. Seeds are tricky to germinate.
Fun facts: this flower was once a contender for being named the California state flower. The name Matilija comes from Chief Matilija, a Chumash leader. To read a short story on the Chumash connection, see “Stories Behind a Few Favorite Flower Names” by Sarah Angelo https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=46449