Back

Click here to search for a different flower

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Opium Poppy

Papaver somniferum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Ranunculales

Family:

Papaveraceae (Poppy)

Also in this family:

Atlantic Poppy, Bird-in-a-bush, Bleeding Heart, Californian Poppy, Climbing Corydalis, Common Fumitory, Common Poppy, Common Ramping Fumitory, Dense-flowered Fumitory, Few-flowered Fumitory, Fine-leaved Fumitory, Greater Celandine, Hollowroot, Long-headed Poppy, Martin's Ramping Fumitory, Oriental Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Purple Ramping Fumitory, Rough Poppy, Tall Ramping Fumitory, Welsh Poppy, Western Ramping Fumitory, White Ramping Fumitory, Yellow Corydalis, Yellow-horned Poppy, Yellow-juiced Poppy

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Annual

Maximum Size:

150 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Fields, gardens, roadsides, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:

Pink, 4 petals

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) in the UK features exquisite flowers. The petals are typically of delicate shades, ranging from pure white and pale pink to rich crimson and vibrant purple, and they possess a satiny texture, while the blooms themselves can grow to be quite large. Each flower boasts a prominent, velvety central blotch, or "eye," which can be dark in colour and adds to their visual allure. These alluring flowers typically appear in late spring and early summer, gracing the countryside with their natural beauty.

Fruit:

The fruit of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) in the UK is a fascinating and distinctive capsule, often referred to as a "seedpod." These seedpods are generally oval or globular in shape, and their surfaces are marked by a series of ridges or lobes. When they mature, they exhibit a pale green to tan hue, adding to their unique appearance. Within the seedpods are numerous tiny seeds, and each pod has small pores near the top through which these seeds can be released. The seedpods are of particular significance, as they contain the milky latex that can be processed to produce opium, a regulated substance under UK law.

Leaves:

The leaves of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) in the UK are characterized by their lobed, serrated appearance and typically have a bluish-green or greyish-green hue. They are arranged alternately along the stems and exhibit a waxy texture, contributing to their distinctive and visually appealing look. These leaves can vary in size, with larger basal leaves at the plant's base and smaller, more finely divided leaves along the stems. While the leaves themselves do not contain the opium latex, it's crucial to be aware that the plant as a whole has significant legal and regulatory implications due to its opium-producing potential in the UK.

Aroma:

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) in the UK is not typically renowned for its fragrance, as it is primarily grown for its ornamental flowers and opium-producing potential rather than its scent. While the plant may have a subtle, slightly sweet floral fragrance, it is generally not as aromatic as other flowering plants. The focus of cultivation and interest surrounding opium poppies in the UK tends to revolve more around their visual appeal and, in some cases, their historical and pharmaceutical significance, rather than their olfactory qualities.

Other Names:

Balewort, Breadseed Poppy, Carnation Poppy, Dream Plant, Fairy's Charms, Flower of Venus, Joan's Silver Pin, John's Silver Pin, Marble Flower, Maw Seed, Moonflower, Oilseed Poppy, Opium, Peony Poppy, Small Opium Poppy, Small-flowered Opium Poppy, Sweet Slumber, White Poppy, Wild Poppy.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Summary

Papaver somniferum, also known as opium poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is the source of opium, which contains the alkaloids morphine and codeine. It is also used in the production of other drugs such as oxycodone and fentanyl. The plant is native to the Middle East and Central Asia, but it is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world for its medicinal and recreational uses.

Blog

The Opium Poppy, or Papaver somniferum, is a plant species that has been used for centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes. It is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia but is now cultivated in many parts of the world. The plant produces a milky latex, which contains various alkaloids, including morphine and codeine, that have strong analgesic properties.

The Opium Poppy is an annual plant that grows to about 4 feet tall. Its leaves are lobed and blue-green in color, and its flowers are large and showy, with petals ranging from white to pink to red. The flowers are followed by a round capsule that contains the poppy seeds, which are commonly used in baking and cooking.

The Opium Poppy has a long history of medicinal use. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it to treat pain and other ailments, and it was widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the 19th century, opium was widely used in Europe and North America as a pain reliever and sedative. However, its addictive properties soon became apparent, and its use was heavily regulated.

Today, the Opium Poppy is still used for medicinal purposes, primarily for the production of morphine and other opioids. Morphine is one of the most effective pain relievers available and is used to treat severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients. Codeine, another alkaloid found in the plant, is used in cough suppressants and as a mild pain reliever.

However, the Opium Poppy is also a highly regulated plant due to its potential for abuse. Opium, heroin, and other opioids are highly addictive, and their use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, as well as a range of negative health effects. The illegal production and distribution of these drugs have been a major issue in many parts of the world, leading to countless deaths and social problems.

The Opium Poppy is a fascinating plant with a long and complex history. Its medicinal properties have made it a valuable resource for pain relief, but its potential for abuse has also made it a highly regulated substance. While the plant continues to play an important role in medicine, it is important to recognize the dangers of its misuse and to work towards finding safer and more effective pain management strategies.

The Opium Poppy has also been used recreationally throughout history. Opium smoking was common in China and Southeast Asia in the 19th century, and the use of opioids has been a part of many cultures throughout the world. However, the recreational use of these drugs can also lead to addiction and other negative consequences.

In addition to its medicinal and recreational uses, the Opium Poppy has also been valued for its seeds. Poppy seeds are commonly used in baked goods, such as bread and bagels, and are also used as a garnish in some cuisines. However, it is important to note that poppy seeds can sometimes contain small amounts of opium alkaloids and can result in false positive drug tests.

The cultivation of Opium Poppies is tightly regulated in many parts of the world. In the United States, for example, it is illegal to grow Opium Poppies without a permit, and permits are only granted for the production of pharmaceutical opioids. The production and distribution of illegal opioids are also heavily monitored and prosecuted by law enforcement agencies.

Despite its risks, the Opium Poppy remains an important part of medicine and culture. The development of new pain management strategies, such as non-opioid medications and alternative therapies, may help reduce the reliance on opioids for pain relief.

The Opium Poppy has also been studied extensively for its potential medicinal benefits beyond pain relief. Some studies have suggested that certain alkaloids found in the plant, such as noscapine, may have antitumor and antiviral properties. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of conditions, such as insomnia, anxiety, and cough.

However, the use of the Opium Poppy for medicinal purposes is not without controversy. Some argue that the development of synthetic opioids and other pain management strategies may reduce the need for opioids derived from the plant. Additionally, the high potential for addiction and abuse of opioids derived from the Opium Poppy has led to concerns about overprescribing and the misuse of these drugs.

In recent years, there has been increased focus on addressing the opioid epidemic, which has been fueled in part by the overprescribing of opioids for pain management. Efforts to improve prescription practices, increase access to addiction treatment, and promote non-opioid pain management strategies have all been part of a broader effort to reduce the negative impact of opioids on individuals and society.

One of the major issues surrounding the cultivation of Opium Poppies is the involvement of organized crime and drug cartels in the illegal production and distribution of opioids. The demand for illegal opioids has led to a lucrative black market for drugs, with criminal organizations often resorting to violence to protect their territory and profits. This has had devastating consequences for individuals and communities affected by the opioid epidemic.

In addition to the production of opioids, the cultivation of Opium Poppies can also have environmental consequences. The plant requires large amounts of water and nutrients, and its cultivation can lead to soil erosion and depletion. The use of pesticides and other chemicals can also have negative impacts on soil and water quality.

Efforts to address the negative impact of the Opium Poppy on individuals, communities, and the environment have taken a variety of forms. In some cases, law enforcement agencies have focused on disrupting the illegal production and distribution of opioids. In other cases, efforts have been made to promote alternative crops and sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the reliance on Opium Poppies for income.

Ultimately, the Opium Poppy remains a complex and controversial plant, with both potential benefits and risks. While its medicinal properties have been valued for centuries, its potential for addiction and abuse has led to significant challenges for individuals and society. As efforts continue to address the opioid epidemic and promote responsible use and regulation of opioids, the role of the Opium Poppy in medicine and society is likely to continue evolving.

Facts about the Opium Poppy

25 Facts About the Opium Poppy:

The Opium Poppy, also known as Papaver somniferum, is a plant species belonging to the family Papaveraceae.
The Opium Poppy is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia but is now grown worldwide.
The plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.
The Opium Poppy has been cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal properties.
Opium, which is derived from the plant's seed pod, is a powerful painkiller that has been used for centuries.
Opium contains over 20 different alkaloids, including morphine and codeine.
Morphine is a highly addictive drug that is still widely used for pain relief in medical settings.
Codeine is a less potent opioid that is commonly used in cough suppressants.
The recreational use of opioids derived from the Opium Poppy can lead to addiction and other negative consequences.
Opium smoking was common in China and Southeast Asia in the 19th century.
The cultivation of Opium Poppies is tightly regulated in many parts of the world, including the United States.
Poppy seeds, which are commonly used in baked goods and as a garnish, can contain small amounts of opium alkaloids and can result in false positive drug tests.
In addition to pain relief, Opium has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia and anxiety.
Studies have suggested that certain alkaloids found in the Opium Poppy may have antitumor and antiviral properties.
The use of opioids derived from the Opium Poppy is not without controversy, and there are concerns about overprescribing and the misuse of these drugs.
The overprescribing of opioids for pain management has contributed to the opioid epidemic, which has had devastating consequences for individuals and communities.
Organized crime and drug cartels are often involved in the illegal production and distribution of opioids.
Efforts to address the negative impact of the Opium Poppy on individuals, communities, and the environment have taken a variety of forms.
Law enforcement agencies have focused on disrupting the illegal production and distribution of opioids.
Efforts have been made to promote alternative crops and sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the reliance on Opium Poppies for income.
The cultivation of Opium Poppies can have negative environmental impacts, including soil erosion and depletion and water pollution.
The Opium Poppy remains a complex and controversial plant, with both potential benefits and risks.
Research into new pain management strategies and the potential benefits of the plant's other compounds is ongoing.
As efforts continue to address the opioid epidemic and promote responsible use and regulation of opioids, the role of the Opium Poppy in medicine and society is likely to continue evolving.
The Opium Poppy serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and plants, and the importance of approaching these relationships with care and respect.

The Opium Poppy, or Papaver somniferum, is a plant species that has been cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Opium, which is derived from the plant's seed pod, is a powerful painkiller that has been used for centuries. However, the recreational use of opioids derived from the Opium Poppy can lead to addiction and other negative consequences.