Poppy Relegated to Weed Status

On October 2, 2023, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 343 replacing the California Poppy with Poison Oak as California’s state flower.

“There is probably no other misunderstood plant than Toxicodendron pubescens,” stated Governor Newsom at the bill signing ceremony.  At his desk, which was decorated with plastic “leaves of three,” he went on to say that he has a severe allergy to poison oak and that it was difficult for him to be convinced of its benefits.  "I can't tell you how many times I've had Poison Oak.  Sometimes I needed steroids to get relief," said the Governor. 

The California Horticultural Collective (CHC) said that Toxicodendron Pubescens is food for many animals including birds and deer and also provides cover for small mammals hiding from predators. The tender leaves are a delicacy for these animals. The director, Sharity Kase stated “There is no more beautiful fall site as the reddish leaves of poison oak. Best of all, you can find our new state flower throughout California.”

The CHC recommends that Poison Oak be renamed to remove its undeserved stigma. Ms. Kase will lead a blue-ribbon committee at Governor Newsom’s request to find a more suitable name for this highly beneficial plant and to create educational materials promoting its environmental benefits for use in school systems throughout the state.

Other plants were in competition for state flower, such as Stinging Nettles and Hemlock, however, the only significant challenge came from proponents of Jimson Weed.