Papaveraceae

Platystemon californicus

Cream Cups

Tuft of erect leaves, upright flower stalk. Leaves and stems covered with long shaggy hairs, sap colorless. Basal and stem leaves linear to oblong, entire, opposite. Single flower atop 4–8 in. stalk. Flower sepals 3, hairy; petals 6, oval, pale yellow to white, with deeper yellow spot in center; many stamens with flattened filaments. Grows among open grass in sandy soils and is especially thick after fires at low elevations. Note: usually more erect than one pictured.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Height: 4--12 inches
• Habitat: Coastal, Meadow
• Found In:
• Native: Yes