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Papaver somniferum

Image of Papaver somniferum

Mark A. Miller

Family

Papaveraceae

Botanical Name

Papaver somniferum

Plant Common Name

Opium Poppy, Poppyseed Poppy

General Description

The bold colorful flowers, leaves, and fruits of this large annual have been treasured by gardeners since ancient times. It is also the source of culinary poppyseeds. Of obscure origin, it is thought to be native to the eastern Mediterranean region.

Cultivation of poppyseed poppy is prohibited in many countries worldwide, including the United States. Although the trade and consumption of its seed within the United States is unregulated and legal, unauthorized cultivation and possession of this plant is technically a felony crime.

This annual produces rosettes of large, lobed, bluish-green leaves in spring. The leaves are hairless and have ruffled and toothed margins. In late spring and early summer, plants bear showy, papery, four-petaled flowers on tall leafy stems. The solitary, bowl-shaped blooms are typically pink, mauve-lavender, scarlet or white, often with contrasting eye blotches. Double-flowered forms are often available. Large, decorative, urn-shaped seed capsules follow the flowers, their pleated caps opening to disperse the small black seeds. Plants die back after blooming.

This annual grows in full to partial sun in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Sow seed in fall or early spring. Plants will self-sow if not deadheaded.

There are serious health risks associated with this plant, as well as legality issues pertaining to its possession and growth. For more information on the health risks, visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Papavso.htm . The culinary use of the seed is unregulated and poses no health risks.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Annual

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Eastern Europe, Mediterranean, Western Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Red, Pink, Light Pink, Lavender, Plum, Ivory

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Fruit Color

    Light Green, Tan, Chocolate

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Light Green, Blue Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single, Double, Semi-Double

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Edible, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes