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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Romneya coulteri Harvey
Coulter's Matilija poppy, Matilija poppy, Fried-egg flower
Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
USDA Symbol: ROCO
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
From late spring to early summer the 8 ft. stems of Coulter’s matilija-poppy are tipped with five to eight silky, white, poppy-like flowers, each 6-8 in. wide, with crinkled or pleated petals surrounding a large ball of golden stamens. The huge flowers are slightly fragrant. Stems and branches are covered with bright-green, lobed leaves. Tall, heavy, leaning, leafy, branched stems grow in patches and have 5-8 large, fragrant, white flowers blooming near ends.
The large white flowers are conspicuous from a distance in early summer. A second species, Bristly Matilija Poppy (R. trichocalyx), has bristly hairs on the sepals and on the stalk beneath the flower. Hybrids between the two are grown as ornamentals.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: S. CA from San Ana Mts. to San Diego Co.
Native Habitat: Dry washes & canyons below 4000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky or sandy soil.
Propagation
Description: Increase by cuttings of rootstocks taken in fall or winter. Can be propagated by seed but the seedlings take several years to flower.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Treat with fire in the fall and germinate outdoors.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1984 VOL. 1, NO.4 - Lady Bird Heartened by Progress, Horticultural Society Annual Meeting Held, Dire...
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Romneya coulteri in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Romneya coulteri in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Romneya coulteri
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-08-09Research By: TWC Staff
