California Poppy California Conservation Genomics Project

Eschscholzia californica, commonly known as the California poppy, exhibits significant adaptability to diverse climates, making it a compelling model for studying genomic responses to environmental stressors. As part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP), we present an improved chromosome-level genome assembly for E. californica to explore its genetic adaptability under increasing aridity due to climate change. This assembly spans 0.401 Gb, with a scaffold N50 of 66.4 Mb and a contig N50 of 11.8 Mb, markedly enhancing the genomic resolution compared to previous studies. Furthermore, seeds from E. californica were collected from 26 locations across eight Californian ecoregions and grown in a common garden at UC San Diego. After their growth, we successfully sequenced their genomes, providing a detailed genetic basis for our ongoing analysis of the genetic variations underpinning drought resilience and competitive advantage in invasive populations. 

More on this project: https://www.ccgproject.org/species/eschscholzia-californica-california-poppy