Romneya coulteri Matilija poppy - Christopher M Konieczny Cal Poly Pomona 2020 Master's of Landscape Architecture Gerald O. Taylor LA 6441 Plants ...
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Romneya coulteri
Matilija Poppy
©2017 Gilly Shaeffer
Romneya coulteri
Matilija poppy
Christopher M Konieczny
Cal Poly Pomona 2020
Master’s of Landscape Architecture
Gerald O. Taylor
LA 6441 Plants and Ecology for Landscape ArchitectureTable of Contents: Plant Identification 1 Distribution 2 Leave Characteristics 3 Flower & Fruit Characteristics 4 Ecology & Soil 5 Wildlife & Habitat Benefits 6 Cultural & Medicinal Use 7 History of Discovery 8 Common Landscape Use 9 Steps for Cultivation 10
© 2010 Calscape
Kingdom: Plantae
Family: Papaveraceae (poppies)
Genus: Romneya
Species: R. coulteri
Category: Perennial
Common Names: Matilija poppy, California Tree Poppy, Fried Egg Plant (SMGrowers)
Communities: Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, White Cloud
Max Height 6.6 - 10ft (2-3 m)
Max Width 20ft (6.1 m)
Growth Rate Moderate, Summer Deciduous and Winter Dormant
Native Area California (U.S.A.)
Native Status Rare
Character Evergreen, Zones 7-11
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 1Calflora.com Distribution Matilija Poppy is native perennial plant to Southern to reach moisture (WildflowerNewsLetter, 1984). The California. Its distribution extends from Santa Barbara plant is primarily distributed in the hills and valleys County and south into Baja California where it grows of Ventura and Santa Barbara County on coastal in dry washes and canyons within the chaparral mountain areas. Generally southwest-facing slopes and and coastal sage scrub plant communities. They are alluvial conditions create a well oxygenated soot zone traditionally found at elevations of about 2,000 but are for them to thrive in. (Gilmer, M., & Yardsmart, 2016). tolerable to 50 - 5,000 feet (SMGrowers)(wildflower. Matilija poppies are able to tolerate periods of hot, dry com). Matilija poppies are also found in natural settings conditions and even prefer rocky and sandy soil types as far west as New Mexico (Brickell & Cathey). They (Redlands Daily Facts, 2016). do well in slopped areas due to their deep penetrating root systems which take strong hold and are better able LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 2
Double
Lobed
Alternate
Leaf Placement
Anniemation, Copyright 2017 Jane Kraft Watercolor 2013
Leaf Characteristics
One of the most notable characteristics of the Matilija grow in an alternating pattern which is displayed in
poppy is its whimsical yet full foliage aesthetic. The the above image. When combined with other plants,
term glaucous describes the leaf appearance for having its texture is inviting and gently enough to sway the
a grayish blue or whitish waxy coatings which covers plant in mild wind. Matilija poppies compared to other
the leave on both sides (Wikipedia).The foliage is known poppy varieties do not have hair on its stems.
pinnately divided into 3-5 lobes ( SMGrowers) with This is not to confused Matilija as a true poppy genus.
slight possible variation between plants. Some sources (Redlands Daily Facts, 2016). Matilija is deciduous and
describe the leaf as having a few lance-shaped lobes, will drop its leaves in fall until spring rains encourage
with blades that can grow upwards of 20 centimeters new growth.
in length (Calscape.com). On the stem, the leaves
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 3Copyright © Gill Billington 2018.
Copyright © 2010 Dr. Mark S. Brunell Calscape
Flower & Seeds Copyright © Anna Laurent
Copyright © 2013 Jean Pawek Calscape
The Matilija Poppy , Romneya coulteri has the largest 2019). Disturbances from animals, weather and other
flowers of any plant native to Southern California with natural elements help spread seeds into the landscape.
six white showy pedals that span across seven inches. Propagation by seed can take several years to flower
The flowers have white crinkled petals with a yellow once maturity is reached. Flowers appear in the late
multi stamen center that can be mildly fragrant. Peak spring once seasonal rains pushes the plant out of fall
blooming period is during the spring and summer and winter dormancy (SMGrowers.com)
(SMGrowers). It is common to find 5-8 blooms on a
single branch. Matilija Poppy is unique to the fire prone landscapes
of Southern California. They have adapted to
One the flower is fertilized, it will begin the process require smoke or fire before the seeds can begin
for developing the fruit. Once fully grown, the fruit germination. Chemicals in the smoke encourages the
well go from a light green to a bristly capsule 3 or 4 seeds to break open and germinate within a few days
centimeters long containing many tiny black seeds (smartseedsemporium.com). Heat is not as much as
(calscape.com). a factor which is why pine needles and bark can be
used to germinate seeds in conservation efforts or by
In order for the plant to disperse its leaves, the top growers and nurseries.
point of the fruit will open to reveal its skeletal
structure and allow the seeds to disperse (Jerry,
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 4FACTORS PLANT TOLERANCES
Elevation 15 to 920 meters
Precipitation 14 to 45 inches
Wet Season 3 to 7 months
Temp Range 26 to 53 ° F
December Low 36 ° F
July High 93 ° F
Accumulated Temperature 88 to 272 ° F
Growing Season 5 to 12 months
Hardiness Zones 9a to 10b
SOIL
pH 5.9 to 7.4
MAX Salinity 0.6 (non-saline)
MIN Depth 34 cm
Texture(s): medium
MAX CaCO3 1 % (very low)
Sourced from calflora.org
Soil & Ecology
Obtaining the correct soil type, composition, moisture are typically provides water during spring wet seasons
and PH levels provides plants the best chances for and precipitation blown from coastal environments.
survival and reproduction. Matilija poppies require Overall the plant’s water tolerance is considered very
well drained nutrient rich soils and is found naturally low according to WUCOLS. Plants do not require
in sandy or rocky soil compositions (wildflower.com). watering during summer months but monthly watering
They have been found to tolerate heavy clay areas is sufficient for personal and formal gardens (calscape.
though their root systems are not allowed to grow as com). During initial propagation. water is encouraged
expansively, which doesn’t allow the plant to grow to for the first year before rhizomes roots become well
full potential in size (NPN.com). established and spread vigorously.
Matilija poppies prefer full sun but will do still grow They prefer soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. “The pH,
in short periods of shade. It is drought tolerant and or relative acidity or alkalinity, of the soil impacts the
hardy to near 0°F (SMGrowers.com). Matilija poppies ability of the poppy plant to extract minerals from the
are adapted to handle seasonal heat, dry, and semi- soil.”(Homeguides.com) The adjustment of pH levels
windy conditions found in Souther California. Being a through the addition of lime may help to produce
drought tolerant plant, it will not survive consistently brilliant blooms and lush foliage in poppies but is not a
wet roots as commonly found in home lawn areas necessary or traditional method (Homeguides.com).
(Grownatives.cnps.org). Matilija poppies in the wild
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 5Butterfly
Song Bird
Bee
San Joaquin Marsh, Orange County, 1-07.
Copyright © John C. Avise.
Copyright © Gill Billington 2018.
Habitat & Pollinators
The flowers are attractive to bees, birds and butterflies and The plant produces sap when cut or disturbed as a strategy
is commonly used in conservation efforts for introducing to deter large animals such as deer from disturbing its leaves
native plants back in the Souther California landscape (smmtc.org). Larger plants provide safe hiding areas for
(SMGrowers). Matilija poppies are associated with a small animals in its dense shrub like foliage.
wide variety of chaparral plants including Scrub Oaks,
Manzanitas, Coyote Brush, Laurel Sumac, Chaparral Mallow,
Toyon, and Lemonade Berry which provide valuable habitat
and pollination properties (laspilitas.com).
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 6Copyright © 2016 Steven Thorsted Calscape_org
Cultural & Medicinal Usage
The common name Matilija poppy, comes from an area in As a drink, Matilija poppy flower parts, leaves and smaller
Ventura County called Matilija Canyon, where the plant is stems are placed together into a tea to inhibit the bug,
found widespread across the landscape (SWGrowers.com). lessen the cramps and pain, and is mildly sedative. (Moore
In this area, a native tribe call The Chumash Indians had 1993, p.179-180)(Jepson).
settled for many year making use of the existing plants.
Matilija poppies is not a major source for nutirtion but still Today the Matilija poppy is used as a symbol for the area
had a few usages in drinks and medicines. and has carried significant value as a plant only native to
the Southern California Region. Since its discovery, artists
In one recipe crushed up leaves and flowers are worked into have created many paintings displaying the flower as an
a poultice and applied to irritated skin (Jepson, Willis, 1966). important aesthetic to the desert landscape.
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 7© 2017-18 Tigersheep Friends
©2017 annthiermann
Tigersheepfriends 2010
SARAH+COLINWALSH
History of Discovery
“The genus was named in 1845 by the Irish botanist into labor. Later an additional story was told where Matilija
William Henry Harvey who later named the flower after poppies grew over the bodies of two Chumash lovers,
Irish astronomer John Thomas Romney Robinson, one of whom died of wounds inflicted by the enslaving
a friend of Thomas Coulter who first discovered the Spaniards. For the Chumash community, this reinforced the
plant,”(SMGrowers.com). Coulter was an Irish physician use of the plant as a guardian after death and symbol for
and botanist who explored Mexico, Arizona and California protection (moosacreeknursery).
in the early 19th century (SMGrowers.com)
Romneya coulteri has the largest flowers of any plant native to
The common name Matilija poppy comes from an area in California and was nominated as the State Flower in 1890,
Ventura County called Matilija Canyon. Matilija is named but lost to another familiar plant, the California Poppy,
after the Chief Matilija of the Chumash Indian Tribe. The Eschscholzia californica (SMGrowers.com).
Chumash Indian leader is known for his resistance against
the Spaniards, who were capturing Indians and forcing them
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 8Jeremy Samuelson, (No Date) Getty Images
Daisy Mah, 2005
Gerhard Bock, 2011, 2018
In the Landscape Upright Columnar, Weeping
Matilija poppy plants have become a popular symbol for grow widespread to become a cloud of floating white
the Southern California region. Its upright columnar shape flowers and simply a textural element for their grayish
with large moon like floors are showcased in many gardens blue leaves. In the regions of Ventura county, Matilija
from urban parks to more formal native dry gardens. In Los poppies are planted and protected along regional and local
Angeles County, Matilija poppies can be found extensively neighborhood trails emulating the same visual experiences
in the LA Zoo planted throughout the parking lot and bio- of indigenous communities prior to modern development..
swale. Its presence in gardens reinforces the importance of
planting native and habitat supporting plant selections. Clippings of the flowers can also be used for floral
arrangements. The crinkled white pedals provide an
Due to its 6-10ft growth in height, Matilija poppies are intriguing visual element to any dinner table and mimics the
often used as background plants that are able to tower appearance of a fried egg.
over smaller maintained shrubs and flower beds. In
the above images they can be clumped and allowed to
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 9Steps for cultivating and planting
Propagating Matilija poppies can be done through Plant containers have been used but do not allow for
multiple strategies depending on the time of year. maximum growth and is rarely successful after a few
Matilija poppy plants can be grown from branch years (gardenia.net). Common pests and disease are
cuttings, roots and sown seeds. Each require specific verticillium wilt and caterpillars (gardenia.net).
steps for establishment.
Initial establishment of the plant is commonly
difficult since the roots are often finicky to specific Steps for planting in not natural settings
soil conditions. Once roots are establish, the plant by Nate Sterman
well quickly become widespread requiring up to 20ft
1. Plant in fall or winter into a spot with full sun and well
across. Matilija poppies do not like to be transplanted draining soil. Plants also tolerate (and spread slower in) clay
or disturbed once established. When necessary, winter soils.
is the best time when the plant has entered dormancy 2. Start with the smallest plant that has been grown in a pot
through fall and winter. Disturbing the rhizomes – a one gallon is fine. Don’t bother digging plants up from
another garden (and NEVER dig them from the wild).
at other times is usually fatal. Once established, it
3. Water the plant so the roots are damp when they are planted.
spreads aggressively and may need to be controlled 4. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball is tall, and twice as wide.
to prevent undesired expansion (calscape.com). Set the soil aside, you’ll need it to refill the hole.
Spring is be best for propagating through cuttings of 5. Fill the hole with water and let it drain.
seeds when the plant is naturally in growing season 6. Lay the plant on its side. Use a sharp knife to cut out the
entire bottom of the nursery can. Don’t let the plant slip out
(gardenia.net).
of the can. Instead, place your hand under the cut end of the
pot to support the exposed root ball. Carefully lift and set the
Since the plant is deciduous, stems are generally cut can (with the plant inside) into the hole.
back to 3-4 inches above grade in fall. Stalks can then 7. Remove your hand and adjust the plant’s position. Use your
be mulched and placed back into the soil. knife to slit up the sides of the can in two or three places.
8. Fill the hole about a third of the way with native dirt (no
amendments), and dampen the soil.
9. Gently pull the pieces of the can away from the root ball.
Carefully finish backfilling the hole with native soil.
10. Water deeply a final time to settle the roots, then build a
watering basin and complete the process the same as for any
other plant.
11. Place a root barrier at least six feet out from the plant to get a
good show of spring flowers but still contain its spread.
Mulch with rock or an organic based mulch
Water periodically through dry periods in winter and
the rest of the year so roots stay damp (not wet)
through the establishment period which is one or two
years. After that, chances are you can stop watering
these beautiful plants altogether.
(Nan Sterman, 2014)
©Nan Sterman, 2001
LA 6441 Plants & Ecology Report Romneya coulteri - Matilija poppy Page 10Plant ID Form
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california-state-flower-print-the-golden
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-romneya-coulteri
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