Explore Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Papaver rhoeas | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Common Poppy, Corn Poppy, Flanders Poppy
Family: Papaveraceae
Appearance: An annual herb with slender stems, feathery leaves, and bright red, cup-shaped flowers with a black center.
Type: Annual
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herb
Root System: Features a fibrous root system
Height: Up to 60 cm
Width: Approximately 20 cm
Lifespan: Completes its lifecycle in one year
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Contains alkaloids; all parts are mildly toxic if ingested
Papaver rhoeas | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Companionship: Often found with other annual wildflowers and grasses
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive, though can be naturalized in many areas
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 - 10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Sown directly in the garden; requires light for germination
Cuttings: Not typically used
Papaver rhoeas | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant
Medicinal: Historically used for its mild sedative properties, but caution is advised due to toxicity
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not typically used for firewood
Wind Break: Not typically used as a windbreak
Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects
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