Poppies (Papaveraceae)

Wildflowers Types of Flowers Types of Orchids Buttercup Camas Lily Cat's Ear Columbine Fivespot Indian Paintbrush

The poppy family (Papaveraceae) is a small family of flowering plants, found primarily in temperate and northern climates. Botanists differ on the exact number of poppy genera and species, providing estimates in the twenty genera and two hundred and fifty species range.

Poppies are popular annual wildflowers, generally easy to grow, and adaptable to most climactic and soil conditions. They grow best in sunny, well drained areas.

Depending on the species and planting schedule, their colorful flowers can bloom from spring through fall.

Most species are native poppies, however, the red or corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), introduced from Europe, gained popularity as a symbol of war and peace. It now grows wild across the United States, including Alaska.

The picture shows the California Poppy, a memer of the genus (Eschscholzia). It is the California state flower.

© 2003-2007 Patricia A. Michaels