Opium Poppy

(Papaver somniferum)

Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

Louise Joly, one half of AtelierJoly

CC BY-SA 1.0

Image By: Louise Joly, one half of AtelierJoly

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Louise Joly, one half of AtelierJoly | License Type: CC BY-SA 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 | Uploader: AtelierJoly | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Opium_poppy.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=''[[Parsonsia capsularis]]''}} |Source=originally uploaded to '''[[Flickr|Flickr]]''' as [http://www.flickr.com/photos/peganum/3993571923/ Parsonsia capsularis] |Author=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/peganum/ peganum

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Papaver somniferum, commonly known as opium poppy or breadseed poppy, is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe and Western Asia. It thrives in open grasslands and cultivated fields. This plant typically grows to about 100 cm (40 in) tall and is known for its large, showy flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers can be up to 30–100 mm (1–4 in) in diameter, with colors ranging from white to mauve to deep red, often featuring dark markings at the base. The opium poppy has a distinctive seed capsule that is also ornamental and can be dried for use in floral arrangements.

The opium poppy is valued for its striking flowers and ornamental seed pods, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and cut flower production. It is also grown for its seeds, which are used in baking and cooking. While it has a slow initial growth rate, which can make it susceptible to weed competition, once established, it is relatively easy to maintain. Gardeners should ensure effective weed control during the first 50 days after sowing to give the plants a good start. The opium poppy prefers full sun to part shade and requires moderate watering, thriving in well-drained soils. While not commonly associated with major diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is important to note that while the cultivation of opium poppy is legal for ornamental and culinary purposes in some regions, it is strictly regulated or illegal in others due to its use in producing narcotics.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-3 feet
Width: 0.5-1 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe and Western Asia, and thrives in open grasslands and cultivated fields

Other Names

Common Names: Breadseed Poppy , Oilseed Poppy , Wild Poppy , Small Opium Poppy , ĀBu El-Num , Khishkhash , Opium-Valmue , Schlafmohn , Schlaf-Mohn , Oopiumiunikko

Scientific Names: Papaver somniferum , Papaver hortense , Papaver album , Papaver somniferum var. nigrum , Papaver somniferum var. rubellum , Papaver sylvestre , Papaver somniferum var. hortense , Papaver officinale , Papaver somniferum subsp. hortense , Papaver nigrum

GBIF Accepted Name: Papaver somniferum L.