Austrian poppy (Papaver alpinum, Sp. Pl.: 507 (1753))

Family: Papaveraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 507 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Papaver

Vegetable: False

Observations: European Mts.

Description

The Austrian poppy, scientifically known as Papaver alpinum, is a captivating flowering plant that graces the mountainous regions of Europe. This enchanting plant was first documented in the comprehensive botanical work “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often referred to simply as “L.”

Belonging to the family Papaveraceae, the Austrian poppy is celebrated for its delicate and vivid flowers, which add a splash of color to the rugged alpine landscapes it inhabits. Typically found in higher elevations, this hardy species showcases its resilience by thriving in the often harsh and variable conditions of European mountain ranges.

Papaver alpinum is particularly noted for its ecological adaptability and its ability to grow in rocky, well-drained soils. Its blooms are a welcome sight to hikers and botanists alike, illuminating the sometimes stark alpine terrain with their vibrant hues. As a part of the diverse and widespread poppy family, the Austrian poppy shares traits with its relatives, such as distinctive lobed leaves and brightly colored petals.

The plant’s discovery and subsequent categorization by Linnaeus highlight its importance in the realm of botanical science, marking it as a species of both scientific and ornamental value. Whether studied for its unique adaptations or simply admired for its beauty, the Austrian poppy continues to be a notable and cherished component of Europe’s floral heritage.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-mohn, bursers alpen-mohn, gelber alpen-mohn, illyrischer alpen-mohn, weißer alpen-mohn
Eng: austrian poppy, rhaetian poppy, alpine poppy, dwarf poppy
Swe: alpvallmo
Fra: pavot de burser, pavot des alpes
Nno: alpevalmue
Nob: alpevalmue
En: Austrian poppy, Alpine poppy, Rhaetian poppy, Dwarf poppy
Ar: خشخاش ألبي
Bg: Алпийски мак
Et: Alpi magun
Fi: Alppiunikko
Fr: Pavot de Burser, Pavot des Alpes
De: Weißer Alpen-Mohn, Gelber Alpen-Mohn, Illyrischer Alpen-Mohn, Bursers Alpen-Mohn, Alpen-Mohn
Hu: Alpesi mák
Nb: Alpevalmue
Nn: Alpevalmue
Fa: شقایق کوهی
Pl: Mak alpejski
Ru: Мак альпийский
Sk: Mak alpínsky
Sv: Alpvallmo

Synonyms

• Papaver nudicaule subsp. alpinum ((L.) Elkan)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 27, 2020 by Luquiens Guillaume (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2011 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by iam myr (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Annie Wateau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2019 by La Talaia García (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Olivier Brosseau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2021 by luu lulu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Vincenc J (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 26, 2019 by kalipu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Gilles Istin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Olivier Brosseau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by h m (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Chris Op Hoogte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Ernst Grünig (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by florence molinari (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888456)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:673389-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Papaver alpinum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth