CREAMCUPS

(species Platystemon californicus), annual plant of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) native to western North America. The 30-centimetre- (1-foot-) tall, hairy plant bears 2.5-centimetre (1-inch) cream or pale yellow blooms singly on long stems. Six petals surround a prominent central puff of long, thick stamens (male reproductive structures). Creamcups grow with grasses in open ground and flower from March to May. The genus is of botanical interest for its 625 almost free (partially fused) carpels, a condition that suggests a relationship to the buttercups (family Ranunculaceae).