SafePlants

Romneya coulteri: The Californian Tree Poppy

The Romneya coulteri, also known as the Californian Tree Poppy, Matilija Poppy, Coulter's Matilija Poppy, Mission Poppy, Fried Egg Plant, Dream of the Desert, or Giant White Californian Poppy, is a stunning flowering plant belonging to the poppy family (Papaveraceae). This plant is a subshrub native to Southern California and Northern Mexico, celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers and silvery-blue foliage.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Romneya coulteri
• Common Names: Californian Tree Poppy, Matilija Poppy, Coulter's Matilija Poppy, Mission Poppy, Fried Egg Plant, Dream of the Desert, Giant White Californian Poppy, White Cloud
• Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
• Synonyms: Romneya hybrida, Romneya vandedenii, Romneya 'White Cloud'

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southern California and Northern Mexico.
• Commonly found in chaparral areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A deciduous, upright shrub or subshrub with grey-green leaves.
• Grows into a large, spreading clump with strong stems.
• Reaches up to 5 feet tall.
• Features large, crepe-paper white flowers with a central yellow "boss" (stamens).
• Flowers can bloom for up to 4 months.

Additional Information

• The plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
• Can be tricky to establish initially, as it resents transplanting.
• Once established, it spreads readily.

Further Resources

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
• Dave's Garden
• Caerhays Castle