Species of Poppy Plants
The poppy is a flowering plant grown around the world for their distinctly beautiful colors. Typically, the plant grows to an average height of 4 inches and flowers up to 6 inches across. Poppy plants have 4 to 6 petals per flower, which appear crumpled at the bud of the flower and straighten out as they extend away from the bud. There are a number of species of poppy plants, each with unique characteristics. Some of the most commonly found poppy flowers around the world include:
- 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 plants flower begins to fall off. The Oriental Poppy withstands the summer heat and blooms fresh flowers when the fall season 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 an eastern North America. Similar to the California and Golden Poppy, Celendine Poppies have yellow flowers with 4 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, were 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 the fried egg flower.
- 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 north-western Mexico. They are a bright orange color with 4 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
Poppy plants have had many uses throughout the course of history. Many of the uses discussed are how poppy plants are used throughout today's modern society.
Drugs
The earliest use of the poppy plant dates back to 3,400 B.C. In Southwestern Asia, Opium Poppies were being 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 be transformed into the substance Heroin.
Medicine
Prior to being abused as a substance, Opium was often utilized for its healing and medicinal properties. It was a very powerful pain reliever commonly used amongst the Greeks. It could induce sleep, help with bowel movements, and eliminate sensations of pain. Today, Opium is still utilized by the medical industry in the form of Morphine, Oxycodone, and Codeine. Heroin was also utilized for medicinal purposes. 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, Flanders' battlefield was a location many soldiers were laid to rest in the barren fields after battle. Amongst 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 lead to the creation and development of opium and its many derivatives. The popularity of drug use was very common amongst 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 amongst 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.
Growing Your Own Poppies
Poppy plants have become a common site 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 6 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!
Poppy plants are a beautiful addition to any garden. Poppy seeds are a tasty addition to many meals. Poppy plants are ever present in our everyday life, whether we recognize it or not. Overall, poppy plants have provided human beings with beauty, nutrients, and medicine for hundreds and hundreds of years, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Article by Chad Kremp
