Family: Papaveraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 508 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Papaver
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Türkiye to N. Iran
Description
The Oriental poppy, scientifically known as Papaver orientale, is a captivating perennial plant that graces gardens with its vibrant and showy blooms. First documented in the publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, the Oriental poppy hails from the regions stretching from eastern Turkey to northern Iran. It belongs to the family Papaveraceae, which is known for its unique and often spectacular flowering plants.
The Oriental poppy is celebrated for its brilliant and flamboyant flowers, which can range in color from a striking red to shades of pink, orange, and even white. Each flower is characterized by its large, crepe-like petals that surround a dark, intricate center. This dramatic contrast makes the Oriental poppy a showstopper in any garden setting.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the plant is relatively easy to grow and is well-suited to a variety of garden conditions. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil and is known for its resilience to cooler climates, reflective of its native range. The Oriental poppy typically blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a much-needed burst of color after the spring bulbs have faded.
The foliage of Papaver orientale emerges early in the spring, forming a lush rosette of fern-like leaves. Interestingly, the foliage tends to die back in the heat of summer, a natural process that makes way for other plants to fill in the space. In the fall, a fresh rosette of leaves often reappears, laying the groundwork for next season’s blooms.
Adding an Oriental poppy to your garden not only enhances its visual appeal but also supports pollinators such as bees, which are attracted to the abundant supply of nectar and pollen. With its rich history, striking beauty, and ease of cultivation, the Oriental poppy remains a beloved choice for gardeners and horticulturists alike.
Common Names
Deu: gruppe des orient-mohns, orientalischer mohn
Eng: oriental poppy
Dan: orientalsk valmue
Fra: pavot d’orient, pavot de tournefort, pavot oriental
Swe: idänunikko, orientvallmo, eldvallmo, orientalisk vallmo, praktvallmo
Fin: idänunikko
Por: papoula-do-oriente, papoula-oriental
Nld: reuzenklaproos
Nno: orientvalmue
Nob: orientvalmue
En: Oriental poppy
Zh: Gui ying su
Da: Orientalsk valmue
Nl: Reuzenklaproos, Oosterse Klaproos, Oosterse Papaver
Fi: Idänunikko
Fr: Pavot d’Orient, Pavot de Tournefort, Pavot oriental
De: Gruppe des Orient-Mohns, Orientalischer Mohn, Orientalischer Riesenmohn, Türkischer Mohn
It: Papavero orientale
Ja: Onigeshi
Nb: Orientvalmue
Nn: Orientvalmue
Pt: Papoula-do-oriente, Papoula-oriental
Es: Amapola oriental
Sv: Orientvallmo, Idänunikko, Eldvallmo, Orientalisk vallmo, Praktvallmo
Synonyms
- Papaver paucifoliatum ((Trautv.) Fedde)
- Papaver grandiflorum (Moench)
- Calomecon orientale ((L.) Spach)
- Papaver orientale var. paucifoliatum (Trautv.)
- Papaver orientale var. parviflora (N.Busch)
- Papaver oreophilum var. monanthum ((Trautv.) N.Busch)
- Papaver dzeghamicum (Medw.)
- Papaver orientale var. monanthum ((Trautv.) Trautv.)
- Papaver lateritium subsp. monanthum ((Trautv.) Kadereit)
- Papaver spectabile (Salisb.)
- Papaver monanthum (Trautv.)
Distribution
- Iran (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Afghanistan (introduced)
- Colorado (introduced)
- Finland (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Iowa (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Tadzhikistan (introduced)
- Utah (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2015 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 14, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Uta Groger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 29, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 13, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2020 by pippa pothead (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 2, 2022 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Mia Alice (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:673641-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888437)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Papaver orientale L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb