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Rough Poppy

Papaver hybridum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Ranunculales
Family:
Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
90 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields.

Flower:
֍
Red, 4 petals
 
Dark crimson red flowers, up to 5cm in size.
Fruit:
The fruit is unique because it's the UK's only wild poppy with egg-shaped capsules as fruit. The capsule is covered in numerous pale yellowish-brown bristles.
Leaves:
An annual flower which grows in arable fields, mainly on limy soils. Stiff looking, finely divided leaves.
Other Names:
Icelandic Poppy, Round Pricklyhead Poppy, Round Prickly-headed Poppy, Round Rough-headed Poppy.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Papaver hybridum, commonly known as the Icelandic poppy, is a hybrid species of poppy in the family Papaveraceae. It is not a naturally occurring species but rather a hybrid between Papaver nudicaule and Papaver croceum. It is native to Iceland, but it is also found in other parts of Europe, Asia and North America. The plant is known for its large, brightly-colored flowers that can be yellow, orange, pink, red or white, and have four petals. The flowers typically bloom in the spring to early summer. The plant has hairy leaves and the stem is also hairy, and it can grow to around 90 cm tall. The Icelandic poppy is a popular ornamental plant and is grown for its large, showy flowers. It is hardy, easy to grow and requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Blog

Papaver hybridum, commonly known as the Rough Poppy, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. It is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The Rough Poppy is a popular garden plant because of its attractive, large, and showy flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white.

Appearance and Characteristics

The Rough Poppy typically grows up to 60-90 cm tall and produces a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply lobed and bluish-green in color. The stems are hairy, stout, and upright, with multiple branches that support the flowers. The flowers of the Rough Poppy are large and showy, with four to six petals that form a cup-shaped bloom. The petals are papery-thin and crinkled, giving the flower a rough texture. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and last for about two weeks. After blooming, the Rough Poppy produces seed pods that can be collected and used to propagate the plant.

Growing Conditions

The Rough Poppy is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The plant is drought tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions. It is a self-seeding plant, which means that it can spread easily in the garden. The Rough Poppy is also a good plant for attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to the garden.

Cultivation and Care

The Rough Poppy is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. To propagate the plant, collect the seed pods after they have turned brown and dry. Sow the seeds directly in the garden in the fall or early spring, as the plant does not transplant well. Alternatively, sow the seeds in pots indoors in the early spring and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed.

The Rough Poppy requires minimal watering, as it is a drought-tolerant plant. However, it is important to water the plant during periods of extended dryness. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Pruning is not necessary for the Rough Poppy, but deadheading the flowers after they have bloomed can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Cut the stem just below the spent flower, making sure not to damage the new growth below.

Uses

The Rough Poppy is a popular garden plant because of its attractive flowers and ease of cultivation. It is also a good plant for attracting pollinators to the garden. The plant is sometimes used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, insomnia, and pain. However, it is important to note that the plant is toxic if ingested in large quantities and should not be consumed without proper medical supervision.

Papaver hybridum, or the Rough Poppy, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add color and interest to any garden. With minimal care and attention, this hardy plant can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions and provide years of enjoyment to the gardener.

Some More Information

While the Rough Poppy is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, it also has a long history of medicinal use. The plant contains several alkaloids, including morphine, codeine, and thebaine, which have pain-relieving properties. However, due to the high toxicity of these alkaloids, the Rough Poppy is not commonly used in modern medicine.

In addition to its medicinal properties, the Rough Poppy has also been used as a dye plant. The petals of the plant contain a red pigment that can be extracted and used to dye fabrics and other materials.

The Rough Poppy is also an important cultural symbol in many countries. In Flanders, the poppy is used as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who died in World War I, and the red poppy is worn on Remembrance Day to honor their sacrifice. In some cultures, the poppy is associated with sleep and dreams and has been used in traditional folklore and mythology.

It is important to note that while the Rough Poppy is a beautiful and useful plant, it can also be invasive in some regions. The plant can spread easily and self-seed, which can lead to it outcompeting native plant species. As such, it is important to check with local authorities and plant the Rough Poppy responsibly.

The Rough Poppy is a versatile and attractive plant that can add color and interest to any garden. With its easy cultivation and minimal maintenance requirements, it is a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. Whether grown for its beauty, medicinal properties, or cultural significance, the Rough Poppy is a plant that is sure to impress.

The Rough Poppy has a long and fascinating history, both as an ornamental and medicinal plant. The plant has been cultivated for centuries and was highly valued by ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, for its medicinal properties.

In traditional medicine, the Rough Poppy was used to treat a range of conditions, including pain, coughs, and insomnia. The plant was also used as a sedative, and its extracts were often included in remedies for nervous disorders and anxiety.

Today, the Rough Poppy is still used in herbal medicine, although its use is highly regulated due to the high toxicity of its alkaloids. In some countries, the plant is used to produce morphine and other opioid drugs, which are highly effective at relieving pain but can also be highly addictive.

Despite its toxic properties, the Rough Poppy remains a popular garden plant, prized for its beautiful flowers and ease of cultivation. The plant is also an important cultural symbol in many countries, representing remembrance, sleep, and dreams.

The Rough Poppy is a fascinating and versatile plant that continues to capture the imaginations of gardeners, herbalists, and cultural enthusiasts around the world. Whether grown for its beauty, medicinal properties, or cultural significance, the Rough Poppy is a plant that is sure to leave a lasting impression.


20 Facts about the Rough Poppy

  1. The Rough Poppy, also known as Papaver hybridum, is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family.

  2. The plant is native to Europe and western Asia, and it has been cultivated for centuries for its beauty and medicinal properties.

  3. The Rough Poppy can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces large, showy flowers with four to six petals.

  4. The petals of the Rough Poppy are usually red, but can also be pink, orange, or white.

  5. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

  6. The Rough Poppy is a hardy plant and can tolerate a range of soil types and weather conditions.

  7. The plant is easy to grow from seed and requires minimal maintenance.

  8. The Rough Poppy is a self-seeding annual or biennial plant, meaning it will typically only live for one or two years.

  9. The plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties and contains several alkaloids, including morphine and codeine.

  10. Due to the high toxicity of these alkaloids, the Rough Poppy is not commonly used in modern medicine.

  11. The plant has also been used as a dye plant, with the petals producing a red pigment that can be used to color fabrics.

  12. The Rough Poppy is an important cultural symbol in many countries, representing remembrance, sleep, and dreams.

  13. In Flanders, the poppy is used as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who died in World War I.

  14. The plant is also associated with the Greek goddess Demeter, who was said to have used poppy seeds to help her sleep.

  15. The Rough Poppy can be invasive in some regions and can outcompete native plant species.

  16. The plant is often used in wildflower meadows and cottage gardens, as well as in cut flower arrangements.

  17. The Rough Poppy is pollinated by insects, particularly bees and butterflies.

  18. The plant is deer-resistant and can be a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.

  19. The Rough Poppy is a relatively short-lived plant, but it can self-seed and come back year after year.

  20. The plant is a great choice for beginner gardeners, as it is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.

The Rough Poppy, or Papaver hybridum, is a species of flowering plant that is native to Europe and western Asia. The plant is highly valued for its beauty and medicinal properties, and it has a long and fascinating history. The Rough Poppy is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. However, it can also be invasive in some regions, so it is important to plant it responsibly. Overall, the Rough Poppy is a versatile and attractive plant that has captured the imaginations of gardeners, herbalists, and cultural enthusiasts around the world.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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