Eschscholzia, commonly known as California poppy, is a flowering plant native to the western United States and Mexico. It belongs to the family Papaveraceae and is recognized for its vibrant orange and yellow blooms. The plant typically grows in open fields, gardens, and along roadsides, thriving in well-drained soil and full sunlight. The California poppy is not only admired for its beauty but also serves as the state flower of California. It has a unique ability to close its flowers at night and during cloudy weather, opening them again in sunlight. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardening.