Both in gardens and in the wild, poppies are valued for their brilliantly colored blossoms with papery petals. These bright flowers are also grown for their seeds, however. Dried poppy seeds are used in breads and baked goods for their nutty flavor. Where poppies growPoppies grow in many parts of the world with mild climates. Most species, or types, of poppies grow best in sunny areas with moist soil, but some can grow in rocky deserts. Many varieties are native to Europe and Asia, but a few are wildflowers in North America. The well-known California poppy is native to California and grows in India and Australia as well. The opium poppy is grown in Europe and Asia. Physical featuresPoppies range from tiny plants that grow near the soil to tall plants that can reach more than 15 feet (4.6 meters) in height. Common garden varieties typically grow to about 3 feet (1 meter) tall. The leaves may be green or bluish green. Some leaves, stems, and seed pods are hairy. All poppies produce a milky sap that may be white or colored. Poppy flowers are cup-shaped with four to six petals. They may be any of a number of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, blue, lilac, or white. Some varieties have a dark blotch at the center of the flower. Although beautiful and graceful, poppies do not have a strong fragrance. How poppies growMost types of poppies display only one flower on each stalk, though some varieties do have two blossoms. The flowers close at night and open in the morning. In dry weather a poppy plant's oval or round seed pod opens to release many small, dark or light seeds. Depending on the species, a poppy plant may grow for one or several years. UsesFor hundreds of years the opium poppy has been grown for the paste called opium, which the plant produces in its sap. Opium is an addictive drug by itself, and it is also used to make the illegal drug called heroin. Today doctors use medicines that contain forms of opium. Two of them, codeine and morphine, are used to relieve pain. |