Poppies (Papaveraceae)

Pacific Northwest Native June Flowers Types of Flowers Blue-eyed Mary Camas Lily Columbine Honeysuckle Indian Paintbrush Pacific Rhododendron Snakelily Tiger Lily White Shooting Star Wild Rose

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.

All members of the Eschscholzia genus are called California Poppies because they all are native California flowers.

The top picture shows the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). It is the Eschscholzia species with the widest range, found throughout most of the United States. It is the California state flower.

The bottom picture shows the Desert Poppy (Eschscholzia glyptosperma). Its range is limited to the desert Southwest.

© 2003-2008 Patricia A. Michaels