Papaver californicum is a species of poppy known by the common names fire poppy and western poppy. It is endemic to California, where it is found in Central Western California and Southwestern California. It grows in chaparral, oak woodlands, and other habitats, often in places that have recently burned. Description Papaver californicum is an annual herb that grows a hairy to hairless stem which may exceed half a meter in height. The flower atop the mostly naked stem usually has four petals one or two centimeters long that are orange in color with green bases. Petals of the similar wind poppy (Stylomecon heterophylla) have purple bases. The flowers last only a few days at most. The seeds, once scattered, can lie dormant for years; smoke acts as a trigger for them to germinate. Taxonomy Papaver californicum is the only species in the section Papaver sect. Californicum. See also California chaparral and woodlands Flora of the California chaparral and woodlands References External links Jepson Manual Treatment: Papaver californicum USDA Plants Profile: Papaver californicum Flora of North America Papaver californicum — U.C. Photo gallery californicum Endemic flora of California Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands Natural history of the California Coast Ranges Natural history of the Channel Islands of California Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area Natural history of the Santa Monica Mountains Natural history of the Transverse Ranges Plants described in 1887 Flora without expected TNC conservation status