Eschscholzia californica Cham. Papaveraceae. Californian poppy. Named for German botanist and physician, Johan Friedrich von Eschscholtz (1793-1831). Distribution: North America. Official state flower of California. Contains berberine, considered a potential source for many new medicines, and numerous alkaloids some of which may have mild anxiolytic activity.

Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. Link

Colourless latex- mildly narcotic, used by native Americans against toothache.

Mabberley, D.J. (1997) The Plant Book, ed.2, Cambridge University Press p.267

Not toxic, but has anxiolytic effects due to berberine content.

Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

Northern America, Southwestern U.S.A., California

Northern America, Mexico, Mexico Northwest

Northern America, Northwestern U.S.A.

Northern America, South-Central U.S.A.

Northern America, Southwestern U.S.A.