Papaver somniferum Opium poppy (Papaveraceae)

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Papaver somniferum
Opium poppy
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The Papaver somniferum plant species is found in Europe to Asia, though the original habitat is obscure. A rare casual in Britain. It is a member of the Papaveraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Opium poppy.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Papaver somniferum
Common Name:  Opium poppy
Family:  Papaveraceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  This plant contains a number of very toxic compounds, many of which are extracted and used as pain killers etc in medicine. They are also used to make various highly addictive narcotic drugs[7, 10, 19, 65]. However, in the cooler climate of Britain these compounds are not formed in sufficient quantity to make their extraction worthwhile. There are no toxins in the seeds[10, 46, 65].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.2

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation.

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a rich well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position[4, 200]. Requires a moist soil[14] but does not do well on wet clays[115]. Prefers a sandy loam or a chalky soil[115]. Plants often self-sow in British gardens. The opium poppy is a very ornamental plant that is often cultivated in the flower garden[1]. There are many named varieties, some of which have been developed for their edible uses[183]. The plant is widely grown, often illegally, in warm temperate and tropical climates for the substances contained in its sap. These are often used medicinally as pain killers, especially in the treatment of terminally ill patients suffering extreme pain, they are also used for their narcotic effects by some people. These substances are highly addictive and lead to a shortening of the life span if used with any frequency. In cool temperate zones the plant does not produce sufficient of the narcotic principles to make their extraction feasible[4] and cultivation of the plant is perfectly legal in Britain[K]. Plants have ripened their seeds as far north as latitude 69°n in Norway[141]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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