Shirley poppy (Papaver rhoeas, Sp. Pl.: 507 (1753))

Family: Papaveraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 507 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Papaver

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe to Medit. and W. Himalaya

Description

The Shirley poppy, scientifically known as Papaver rhoeas, is a captivating and delicate flowering plant that belongs to the Papaveraceae family. This annual plant has a remarkable history and a widespread natural habitat that stretches from the Macaronesian islands and throughout various regions of Europe to the Mediterranean, reaching as far as the Western Himalayas.

Originally classified in 1753, the Shirley poppy is renowned for its vibrant, paper-thin flowers that range in color from vivid reds to soft pastels like pinks, lilacs, and whites. It is named after the Shirley area in England, where it was extensively cultivated and popularized in the 19th century by the Reverend William Wilks. His dedicated hybridization efforts led to the creation of the exquisite color variants that we see in gardens today.

This plant thrives in well-drained soils with ample sunlight, making it a favored choice for adding a splash of color to spring and summer gardens. Its symbolism as a remembrance flower, often associated with the commemoration of World War I soldiers, further enhances its emotional and cultural significance.

The Shirley poppy’s delicate petals and graceful stature not only beautify landscapes but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of garden ecosystems. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a resilient plant that self-seeds easily, granting gardeners the joy of seeing new blooms year after year with minimal effort.

In conclusion, the Shirley poppy is more than just a beautiful flower; it is a plant rich in history, culture, and ecological value. Its ability to adapt to different regions, coupled with its striking presence and easy maintenance, makes it a treasured addition to gardens around the world.

Common Names

Eng: common poppy, corn poppy, field poppy, flanders poppy, red poppy, shirley poppy
Deu: klatsch-mohn, klatschmohn
Dan: korn-valmue
Spa: amapola
Fra: coquelicot, grand coquelicot, pavot coquelicot, pavot rouge
Nld: grote klaproos
Swe: kornvallmo, silkkiunikko
Nob: kornvalmue
Nno: kornvalmue
Ces: mák vl
Por: papoula-comum
Fin: silkkiunikko
Nor: vild vallmu
Lav: zīda magone
Sme: gordneajerássi
Cym: drewg cyffredin, llwyn y cythraul, llygad y bwgan, llygad y cythraul, pabi coch, pabi coch yr ŷd, pabi crwn-ben-llyfn, pabi crynben llyfn, pabi’r ŷd, pabïau coch, sidangoch yr ŷd
En: Shirley poppy, Common poppy, Field poppy, Red poppy, Corn poppy, Flanders poppy, Corn Rose, Corn-poppy, Or Red Poppy
Ar: Ben na’aman, Benâman, ديدهان (دِيدهان)
Ca: Ababolera, Coquerecoc, Màpola, Pixallits, Rosella vera, Vermelló
Zh: Yu mei ren
Cs: Mák vl, Mák vlčí
Da: Korn-valmue
Nl: Grote klaproos
Fi: Silkkiunikko
Fr: Coquelicot, Grand coquelicot, Pavot coquelicot, Pavot rouge
De: Klatsch-Mohn, Klatschmohn, Blutblume, Feuer-Mohn
It: Bambagelle, Papavero comune, Rosolaccio, Papaver rhoeas, Papavero salvatico
Ja: Hina-geshi
Ko: Gaeyanggwibi
Lv: Zīda magone
Se: Gordneajerássi
No: Vild vallmu
Nb: Kornvalmue
Nn: Kornvalmue
Pt: Papoula-comum, Papoila
Sk: Mak vlčí
Es: Amapola, Ababol, Amapol, Amapola común, Papaver rhoeas
Sv: Kornvallmo, Silkkiunikko
Cy: Drewg Cyffredin, Llwyn y Cythraul, Llygad y Bwgan, Llygad y Cythraul, Pabi Coch, Pabi Coch yr Ŷd, Pabi Crwn-Ben-Llyfn, Pabi Crynben Llyfn, Pabi’r Ŷd, Pabïau Coch, Sidangoch yr Ŷd

Synonyms

• Papaver rhoeas var. vulgare (Roth)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 11, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2019 by Arnaud Moeykens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2017 by Isabelle Ribaute (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2017 by Isabelle Ribaute (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.

Leaf

Taken May 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2018 by Pascale Debarre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by ole (planty 🌸) olsen (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 1, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2018 by Diana Gavino (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2017 by Jean-René Girardeau (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 23, 2020 by Sahar Francesca (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by hadama coulibaly (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 8, 2020 by C. N. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888443)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:306058-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Papaver rhoeas L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 6