Cultivation Eschscholzia californica

invasive potential

because of beauty , ease of growing, california poppy introduced several regions similar mediterranean climates. commercially sold , naturalized in australia, , introduced south africa, chile, , argentina. recognized potentially invasive species within united states, although no indications of ill effects have been reported plant has been introduced outside of california. golden poppy has been displaced in large areas of original habitat, such southern california, more invasive exotic species, such mustard or annual grasses.

chilean population

in chile, introduced multiple sources between mid-19th century , 20th century. appears have been both intentionally imported ornamental garden plant, , accidentally introduced along alfalfa seed grown in california. since chile , california have similar climatic regions , have experienced agricultural exchange, perhaps not surprising introduced chile. once there, perennial forms spread in human-disturbed environments (leger , rice, 2003).

interestingly, introduced chilean populations of california poppy appear larger , more fecund in introduced range in native range (leger , rice, 2003). introduced populations have been noted larger , more reproductively successful native ones (elton, 1958), , there has been speculation why. increase in resource availability, decreased competition, , release enemy pressure have been proposed explanations.

one hypothesis plant s resources devoted in native range defense strategy can, in absence of enemies, devoted increased growth , reproduction (the eica hypothesis, blossey & nötzold, 1995). however, not case introduced populations of e. californica in chile: chilean populations more resistant californian caterpillars native populations (leger , forister, 2005).

highway sign showing state flower