Numerous maroon or purple stamens adorned with contrasting yellow anthers. Petals are triangular, bright orange with a dark-colored circle at the center of the flower possibly to attract pollinators. The two sepals usually fall off when the flower opens. Four petals and two sepals define the flowers shape. This group of flowers is a big part of the magnificent displays of color in the spring after a fire.įlowers, borne on wiry thin leafless stems less than two feet tall, range in size from one to two inches.

Amazing to ponder that a brief shot at glory was preceded by many years lying dormant in the soil. Plants may spend years lying dormant in the soil awaiting their turn in the sun. The seeds of these plants require stimulation in the form of heat, smoke or charred wood to become viable.

The bright orange/red color of these poppies comes from organic pigments called carotenoids. Fire Poppy flowers have a circle around the pistil that ranges from green to yellow and its stamens are yellow. Next would be the odd-shaped pistil with a short style topped by a fuzzy stigma. The most obvious difference would be the darker circle originating from the center of the flower. Grassy openings in the chaparral are the most likely place to find them. Similar in color and appearance to Fire Poppies, they may require a closer look to see the differences. Wind Poppy (Papaver heterophyllum) is a native annual plant with bright orange flowers that is usually found after a fire and seldom seen in-between.

Wild bleeding heart stigma style