Mexican Gold Poppy

Eschscholzia californica ssp mexicana

These showy orange to yellow flowers that open on sunny days are a favorite harbinger of spring in the Sonoran desert.  The most popular, most photographed golden desert wildflower. For low Sonoran gardens, plant in fall to early spring. Mexican poppies can be stubborn and usually need a big cool-season rain to germinate. This subspecies of the California poppy is native to desert areas in AZ, NM, CA, TX, CO, UT and NV.  Drought tolerant, self-seeding, prefers well drained soil and full sun.