Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Papaveraceae: the Poppy Family
A relatively small family, the poppies are always a delight to see in the garden. These are some of the first seeds a child will grow - I remember giving California Poppy seed heads to my own children. Our wild poppies, although smaller, are quite a sight when they appear in road verges and fields.
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Papaver Dubium
Long-Headed Poppy, blindeyes.
Hairy stem, pale yellow milk when broken. Grows upright or sprawls on the ground. Up to 80cm high.
About
Wild poppy seed can live for many years deep in the soil and will germinate when the ground is disturbed (WW1 battlefields are a well documented example).
Producing no nectar but ample pollen, making it attractive to a number of insects, including pollen beetles. I found this plant in Cuddington, growing in paving!
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Papaver rhoeas
Common Poppy, Corn Poppy.
Bristle-like hairs on whole plant but not the seed capsule. Plant up to 60cm high.
About
Surely the species that inspired our Remembrance Day; this plant was in Nonsuch, Surrey.
The seeds of this poppy are edible and used in baking. Poppy seed loaves have a delicious, nutty flavour. PLEASE BE SURE THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE PICKING AND USING.
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Chelidonium majus
Greater Celandine.
Slightly hairy, bleeds orange sap when cut. Plant up to 90cm high.
About
The lipid and protein enriched elaiosome, a fleshy growth on each seed, attracts ants to collect them for food and unwittingly disperse them. This process is known as myrmecochory.
This is a great plant for brightening up a shady/woodland place in your garden, among ferns and bluebells.
HOMEMore information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
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