Family: Papaveraceae
Author: (Willd.) R.Br.
Bibliography: Narr. Travels Africa: 218 (1826)
Year: 1826
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Macleaya
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. China, Japan to Taiwan
Description
The Plume Poppy, scientifically known as Macleaya cordata, is an intriguing plant known for its striking appearance and unique characteristics. This perennial herb belongs to the Papaveraceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and colorful members. Native to Central and Southern China, as well as Japan and Taiwan, Plume Poppy has captured the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
First recorded in the literature Narrative of Travels in Africa in 1826, the Plume Poppy has since fascinated many due to its feathery, plume-like flower clusters. The plant features tall, arching stems that can reach impressive heights, often between 3 to 8 feet. These stems are adorned with lobed, blue-green leaves that offer an attractive backdrop to its soft, creamy-white to pale pink flowers. The blooms, which typically appear in midsummer, add a delicate and ethereal beauty to gardens and natural landscapes.
Macleaya cordata is also notable for its ecological adaptability. It thrives in a range of environments, from wooded areas to riverbanks, making it a versatile addition to various settings. Despite its relatively wide native range, spanning from C. & S. China to Japan and Taiwan, the Plume Poppy has found its way into horticulture outside its indigenous regions, admired for its ornamental potential.
This plant isn’t merely ornamental; it also holds a place in traditional Asian medicinal practices. Extracts from Macleaya cordata have been studied for their potential pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is advised to handle this plant with care, as it contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested or improperly managed.
In summary, the Plume Poppy (Macleaya cordata) stands out as a plant of both aesthetic appeal and historical significance within the Papaveraceae family. Its lofty plumes and distinctive foliage make it a standout in any garden, while its hardy nature ensures it can thrive in diverse conditions. Whether appreciated for its beauty or researched for its medicinal properties, this plant continues to engage those who encounter it.
Common Names
Eng: five-seed plume-poppy, plume poppy, plume-poppy, tree celandine, five-seeded plume-poppy, tree-celandine
Deu: herzblatt-federmohn, weißer federmohn
Hun: magas mákkóró
Swe: vippvallmo, storfruktig vippvallmo
Nld: pluimpapaver
Fra: macléaya à feuilles cordées
En: Plume Poppy, Five-seed plume-poppy, Plume-poppy, Tree celandine, Five-seeded Plume-poppy, Tree-celandine
Nl: Pluimpapaver
Fr: Macléaya à feuilles cordées
De: Herzblatt-Federmohn, Weißer Federmohn
Hu: Magas mákkóró
Sv: Vippvallmo, Storfruktig vippvallmo
Synonyms
- Macleaya cordata f. glabra (H.Ohba)
- Bocconia jedoensis (Carrière)
- Bocconia cordata var. thunbergii (Miq.)
- Bocconia cordata var. japonica ((J.N.Haage & E.Schmidt) Regel)
- Macleaya cordata var. jedoensis ((Carrière) Fedde)
- Bocconia cordata (Willd.)
- Bocconia japonica (J.N.Haage & E.Schmidt)
- Marzaria cordata ((Willd.) Raf.)
- Macleaya jedoensis ((Carrière) André)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
Additional Images
Other
Taken May 3, 2020 by kat ja (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Maria Suhostavtzeva (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2020 by Ko Ko (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Isabelle COSTA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Joris Moorkamp (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2019 by jean-michel morin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2022 by Eric Balleydier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by christel lamboley (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by dinkel benjamin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2019 by caution ella (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Kayleigh H (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 15, 2020 by agilob (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2019 by josephine de saint seine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Christine Raffy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2020 by gillnagle (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Martine Martine Souriau (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2021 by Josh M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Eric Balleydier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Emanuelé Congiu (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2020 by Hans Julian Wiggenhauser (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5334194)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:673258-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R.Br.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
