Opium Poppy

About Opium Poppy

Name Popaver somniferum
habitat Any bare waste or cultivated ground. Planted in gardens.
plant type annual
traditions and culture This is the poppy grown for the opium trade. The opium trade was so profitable in the 19th Century it led to war between Britain and China. The drug is made from the plant's latex - milky sap. However, making opium is now illegal.
medical uses Morphine and codeine are just two of the medicinal drugs made from the plant. Culpeper recommended a syrup from the seeds to aid rest and sleep. In fact syrup of poppies was given to babies to keep them quiet till quite recently.
size up to 1½m (4½ft)
flowering season June - August
distinguishing features Fragile looking pale pink to pale violet flowers and the large goblet shaped fruit capsules containing the seeds.
native or foreign  
poisonous  

 

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Key

Habitat

Plant Type

Traditions & Culture

Medicinal Qualities

Size

Flowering Season

Distinguishing Features

Poisonous

Native or Foreign

Please do not pick, collect or disturb this plant