A genome assembly of the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica

The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), a native wildflower of western North America and the state wildflower of California, is characterized by extensive ecological variation and adaptation to diverse climatic conditions. Its broad geographic range and adaptability make it a valuable model for studying how plants respond to changing environmental conditions. Here, we present an updated, near-chromosome-level genome assembly for E. californica, developed as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project. This assembly spans 0.401 Gb and represents an advancement over previous versions, with a scaffold N50 of 66.4 Mb, a contig N50 of 11.8 Mb, and BUSCO completeness of 99.2%, providing near-complete genomic coverage. The enhanced genome assembly described here facilitates precise whole-genome resequencing, providing insights into genetic diversity and gene flow between populations-key factors in understanding the adaptive mechanisms that will support the species' survival in the face of environmental challenges.