What is a Bear-paw Poppy

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Bear-paw Poppy or Bear-claw Poppy or Desert Poppy – Arctomecon californica

COMMUNITY

Gypsum barren

HABITAT

Harsh undisturbed alkaline soils

ELEVATION

1200 to 3000 ft (400 to 1000 m)

TYPE OF SOIL

Gypsum

SOURCE OF WATER

Surface

BLOOMS

May to November

HEIGHT

1 to 3 ft (30 to 90 cm)

POLLINATION

Wind, insects

ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL

Deep root system taps water stored before hard surface layer in very salty soils.

Leaves and flower stalk densely covered with fine hairs.

COMMENTS

Common name comes from three-toed, foot-like shape of leaves.

Limited on distribution because it grows only on very alkaline soil.

Candidate for listing as Threatened/Endangered species.