Papaver somniferum'
Record ID:27Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Papaver somniferum' |
| Common Names: | Poppy, Opium Poppy, Corn Poppy |
| Key Name: | Poppy |
| Parts Used: | Seeds, latex, petals |
| Sister Plants: | Papaver rhoeas, Papaver orientale, Eschscholzia californica |
| Comments: | Annual herb valued for seeds and latex; attracts pollinators; pollen color dark gray as noted; thrives in well-drained soils |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Annual herb (1-5 ft), erect stem with milky sap, lobed leaves, large showy flowers, capsule fruit; pollen color dark gray |
| Stem: | Erect, branched, green with white sap, 30-150 cm |
| Leaves: | Lobed, 4-15 cm, serrated, gray-green |
| Flowers: | Large showy flowers, 5-10 cm, white, pink, red, or purple, blooming May-July |
| Fruit: | Ovoid capsule, 2-5 cm, containing numerous seeds |
| Taste: | Nutty (seeds), bitter (latex) |
| Odour: | Mild, floral scent |
| Root: | Taproot, shallow |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.e3Xtv3COQK-lgDOPkpkm4AHaFj%26r%3D0%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=bfa82013c1383d455f2238663e207e399992f3d6337ffce505967e3590307e9b&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to Eastern Mediterranean, Western Asia; cultivated globally |
| Cultivation: | Full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds in spring; space 6-12 inches apart |
| Harvest: | Seeds and latex: Summer (June-July); petals: during bloom |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Analgesic, sedative, antispasmodic |
| Medical Uses: | Latex for pain relief, coughs (opium derivatives); seeds for nutrition |
| Constituents: | Morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), ether |
| Dosage: | Seeds: 1-2 tsp daily; Latex: Prescription only |
| Administration: | Internal: Tincture, extract (prescription); External: Poultice |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | Highly regulated; toxic in excess; avoid without medical supervision |
| Preparation: | Seeds: 1-2 tsp daily; Latex: Prescription only |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine Not likley true |
| Veterinary: | Used for pain relief in livestock (veterinary supervision) |
| Homeopathic: | Used homeopathically for insomnia |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | Yes |
| Pollinator: | honeybees, native bees, early pollinators |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen (dark gray) attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts honeybees, native bees, early pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, dye, oil production |
| Culinary Uses: | Seeds in baking, oil for cooking |
| History: | Cultivated since 3400 BC in Mesopotamia; opium trade since antiquity |
| Reference: | 1, 'herbalist1', 'Herbal Community', |
| URL: | https://usbm.ca/ency |
| Share: | Public |