Fire Poppy, Papaver californicum

The Fire Poppy is a fire-follower. Seed stores remain dormant in the ground for years. The seeds germinate and the flowers bloom soon after a fire has burned through an area. The seed stores are thus replenished and the fire poppy disappears from the area until the next fire.

Photo of Fire Poppy on the Etz Meloy/Backbone trail, Santa Monica Mountains, April 2019
Fire Poppy on the Etz Meloy/Backbone trail, Santa Monica Mountains, April 2019