The California poppy was designated the state flower of California in 1903. California Indians valued the poppy as a food source and for the oil extracted from the plant. Also known as the flame flower, la amapola, and copa de oro (cup of gold), the poppy grows wild throughout California.

Every year, April 6 is California Poppy Day and May 13- 18 is Poppy Week. Gold is a theme in California state symbols - the state colors are blue and gold, the state nickname is The Golden State, and gold is the official state mineral.

Source:

California poppies photo © Andy Williams / CritterZone:
Animal - Wildlife - Nature Stock Photography
Copyrighted image - no use allowed without a license
(contact CritterZone for commercial application license).

Links:

State Flowers - 50 States List
National Flower