The botanical name of the California state flower is Eschsholtzia californica, given to the pretty yellow/orange flower by naturalist Adelbert Von Chamisso a Prussian scientist who visited San Francisco in 1816. It became the state flower in 1903.
It's commonly called the California poppy or golden poppy, but other names for the California state flower include flame flower, la amapola, and copa de oro (cup of gold). The California state flower is so popular that it has its own day: April 6.
You'll see the California state flower blooming all over the place - and maybe even in your own flower garden. The best place to view them in nature is at Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve near Los Angeles.
