As the blooms fade, they form long, green seed pods that, when ripe, dry and explode, scattering seeds over 6 feet away, says a YouTube video by "fun facts about the california poppy" .

The California poppy ( Eschscholzia californica ) is more than just a vibrant wildflower; it is a story of resilience, golden history, and a "sleepy" nature that captivated explorers and locals alike. Known as the (Cup of Gold) by early Spanish settlers, these flowers hold a deep connection to the Golden State's landscape and identity.

The Spanish also named it dormidera , or "to fall asleep," referring to how the petals fold up in the evening or during cloudy weather, as explained in a article by Central Coast Parks .

They are hardy, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in poor, sandy soil and under full sun, according to The Spruce .