Species of Poppy Plants
The poppy is a flowering plant grown around the world for its distinctly beautiful colors. The poppy family consists of nearly 800 distinct species that are sorted into 42 different genera. Typically, the plant grows to an average height of 4 inches and flowers up to 6 inches across. Poppy plants have four to six petals per flower, which appear crumpled at the bud of the flower and straighten out as they extend away from the bud.
Poppies are incredibly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of environments. These resilient flowers flourish from the frigid expanses of icy tundras to the searing temperatures of hot deserts. While they predominantly grow in the Northern Hemisphere, their versatility allows them to thrive in various climates globally. Whether they are blooming in temperate meadows or braving the extreme conditions of harsh landscapes, poppies demonstrate their remarkable ability to prosper in diverse settings.
- Opium poppy is the species of poppy from which seeds and opium are derived. Opium is used for its medicinal properties, while poppy seeds are used for seasoning. The Latin botanical name of the opium poppy translates to “sleep-bringing poppy,” given to the plant due to its sleep-inducing properties.
- Oriental poppies are native to northern Turkey and Iran and typically bloom in the spring. Their pollen is deep blue in color, and their flowers are somewhat hairy. As spring comes to a close and summer begins, the plant’s flower begins to fall off. The oriental poppy withstands the summer heat and blooms fresh flowers when the fall arrives.
- Common poppies are also referred to as corn poppies, red poppies, corn rose, or field poppies. This species of poppy is sometimes referred to as coquelicot due to its bright red color with orange tint. The pollen found in the common poppy is a deep green or dark gray.
- California poppies are the state flower of California and also commonly found in Mexico. These poppy plants are yellow in color and sometimes referred to as golden poppies. The Welsh poppy is also yellow in color but native to the British Isles.
- Celendine poppies have bristly stems and wavy flower petals. These poppies are native to the woodlands in China and eastern North America. Similar to the California and golden poppy, celendine poppies have yellow flowers with four petals.
- Prickly poppies are categorized by their sharp, pointed leaves. They can be found throughout the United States, particularly in Hawaii.
- Matilija poppies, sometimes called tree poppies, belong to the genus Romneya, named after famed astronomer John Thomas Romney Robinson. This species of poppy is native to southern California and Mexico. Their flowers have white petals and yellow centers and are often referred to as fried egg flowers.
- Pygmy poppies are categorized by being very small, tight clusters of flowers. This species of poppy grows very close to the ground, with flowers spanning only a few millimeters across. Similar to the tree poppies, pygmy poppies have white petals with yellow centers.
- Wind poppies are a species native to California and northwestern Mexico. They are a bright orange color with four petals.
- Bear poppies, or bear-paw poppies, are very uncommon but can be found sparsely throughout the Mojave Desert. The plants’ flower petals appear light blue or gray in color and are wedge-shaped with edges that are divided into several spikes, giving them the appearance of a bear paw.
- Tulip poppies are native to the highlands of Mexico. They are yellow in color with orange anthers and vaguely resemble a tulip.
Uses of Poppy Plants
Drugs
The earliest use of the poppy plant dates back to 3,400 B.C.E. In Southwestern Asia, opium poppies were cultivated to make opium. The people of Southeast Asia referred to the flower as the joy plant. Opium poppies were ultimately the cause of the opium wars, when the British began sneaking opium into China, causing many Chinese to become addicted to the substance. In later years, opium would make its way over to America, and later still, it would be transformed into the substance heroin.
Medicine
Prior to being abused as a substance, opium was often used for its healing and medicinal properties. It was a very powerful pain reliever commonly used among the Greeks. It could induce sleep, help with bowel movements, and eliminate sensations of pain. Today, opium is still used by the medical industry in the form of morphine, oxycodone, and codeine. Heroin was also used for medicinal purposes, but it was made illegal in 1924 due to high rates of addiction.
Food
Poppy seeds are used in cooking and baking. Most commonly, poppy seeds are found on bagels or in desserts like lemon poppy cake. They are also used to spice up any meal made with noodles or rice, particularly in Asian cooking.
Memoriam
Red poppy flowers are used most often in remembrance of fallen soldiers. During the First World War, the Flanders battlefield was a location where many soldiers were laid to rest after battle. Among the rows of graves, red poppy flowers were the only thing that would bloom for many years. Every year, Remembrance Day, or Poppy Day, is celebrated to recall the lives of those lost in war. White poppies are also used to symbolize peace and an end to war.
Poppy Plants and Art
The poppy led to the creation and development of opium and its many derivatives. The popularity of drug use was very common among artists, from painters to writers and musicians. In this way, the poppy plant and its derivatives, opium and heroin, have made many significant marks on the arts world. Some of the most pertinent uses of opiates throughout the arts community included:
- Heroin use became very popular among rock stars and the music scene. Many artists would use drugs while writing or performing their music. Artists also used heroin to help spark their imagination. Many artists throughout the Romantic Era used opiates, which heavily inspired their work.
- Perhaps the most popular use of opiate use in literature is throughout Alice in Wonderland. The caterpillar was an avid opiate user and would spend time puffing on his hookah, daydreaming and giving Alice riddles to solve. Many famed authors were known for their use of opiates throughout their creative process, including Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Growing Your Own Poppies
Poppy plants have become a common sight in many people's gardens. Because the poppy plant is offered in such a wide variety of colors and styles, many people incorporate them into their gardens to make a statement. Growing poppies is a relatively simple process and only requires a few steps.
- Understand the species of poppy you are planting, and know how much sunlight and watering it will require. Typically, poppies need six hours of sunlight on a daily basis. If you are in an especially hot area, plant the seeds where they will receive some shade from the harsh sun throughout the day.
- Plant the seeds in early autumn or spring, depending on your climate.
- Test the soil to make sure the area won't flood. Poppies will easily rot in waterlogged soil, so this is a particularly crucial step.
- Mix the poppy seeds with sand so they don't stick together when they are planted. Scatter them evenly throughout the soil. Water as necessary, and enjoy the beautiful scenery you have created!
How to Use and Preserve Poppies as Cut Flowers
Poppies make stunning additions to floral arrangements. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals can infuse any space with natural beauty. However, to enjoy these blossoms as cut flowers, it's essential to handle them with care for maximum longevity.
Harvesting Poppies at the Right Time
Begin by cutting your poppies just before their buds fully open. This timing ensures that the blooms are at their freshest and can last longer once displayed.
Managing the Milky Latex
Once cut, poppy stems release a sticky, milky latex. This substance can significantly shorten their lifespan if not managed properly. To combat this, you'll need to treat the cut ends.
Heat Treatment for Longer Lifespan
- Sear the Ends: Using a match, carefully sear the ends of the stems. This process helps seal the latex inside, preventing it from leaking.
- Hot Water Method: Alternatively, you can place the cut ends in hot water (110 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit). Immerse the stems for about 20 to 30 seconds. This method also works to seal the latex and prepares the flowers to better absorb water once arranged.
Even with these treatments, poppies only remain vibrant for a few days. Display them prominently during this time to fully enjoy their transient beauty.
Article by Chad Kremp
