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Poppy

What is poppy?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Family Papaveraceae[1]
Genus Papaver[1]
Source of opium Papaver somniferum[1]
Common uses Garden ornamentals, seeds[3]
Typical flower color Bright red or orange[2]

A poppy is a flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, especially species in the genus Papaver, known for its bright flowers and as the source of opium.

Context

A poppy is a flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, especially species in the genus Papaver [1]. It is also the common name for the flower of such plants [2]. Some poppies are cultivated as garden ornamentals, and *Papaver somniferum* is the source of opium [1]. The poppy flower is often bright red or orange [2]. Related plants include the California poppy [4].

Documented claims

  • Poppies are herbaceous plants in the genus Papaver. [1]
  • The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is used to produce morphine, codeine, and heroin. [1]

Related

Oriental PoppyOriental poppy is another common poppy species readers may want to compare.

Questions and answers

What is a poppy?

A poppy is a flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, especially species in the genus Papaver [1].

What is the source of opium?

The opium poppy, *Papaver somniferum*, is the source of opium [1].

Sources

  1. Poppy | Description, Major Species, Uses, & Facts - Britannica — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. poppy — kids.britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. POPPY Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. роррY — de.slideshare.net (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature