genus Papaver somniferum , better know as the opium poppy , is a Eurasian native , wide cultivated for the mucilaginous gum tree get by maturing seed pod , which is the seed of opium , morphia and codeine . Its nutrient seeds , which hold no narcotic meat , are used for bake . The opium poppy has naturalized over much of the United States , and can sometimes be found growing along roadsides . This showy one-year bears large , papery efflorescence in white , bolshie and shade of lavender . There are several diversity of Papaver somniferum , some of which superficially resemble their cultivated and wild relation . When they ’re in efflorescence , you could key out them by a few tell apart characteristic .
Step 1
Observe the colouration patterns , shape and number of the petal . P. somniferum form have large efflorescence with up to eight flower petal , whereas other species will only have four to five . P. somniferum giganteum has vivid scarlet or bloodless petal with a characteristic benighted spot at the base . The " Persian White " variety has pure clean petals throughout . " Danish Flag " sports a very showy combining of whitened and red , and is toilsome to mix up with other poppies because of its color and approach pattern . The lilac - bloom varieties of this subspecies are quite distinctive because of their color , which set them aside from other educate poppy . Unlike other poppies , P. somniferum paeoniflorum features highly double , laciniate petals , which resemble paeony or pommy - poms . ( See Reference 1 )
Step 2
Examine the growth habit and height of the peak stalks . P. somniferum raise from three to five feet tall , which is much improbable than most other cultivated and aboriginal poppies . The gullible , toothed leaves , which can measure up to six inches across , are also considerably larger than those of other kinds of poppy .
Step 3
Study the seed pods once the petals have fall away . P. somniferum pods are an inch to an inch - and - a - half in diam and quite ball - shaped , while most poppies aboriginal to the U.S. have much small , elongated cod . front for a say , multi - pointed adept cast at the top of the orotund , smooth seed pod . ( See Reference 1 )
Step 4
Shake the seeds out of the dry pods and inspect them . P. somniferum ’s small seeds are normally slating blue or light tan . The blue unity are the conversant seeds used in baking .
Tip
Learn to identify poppy native to your sphere , such as Mexican poppy , matilija poppy , and California poppy , so that you’re able to easily distinguish them from P. somniferum . Become familiar with the many varieties of civilise poppies , including Iceland poppy , Oriental poppy , and Himalayan poppy .
Warning
observe that the maturing seed cod of the opium poppy are toxic and may be fatal if ingested by livestock or homo . ( See Reference 1 ) Be aware that it is illegal to uprise this plant in the United States ; however , it is effectual to have , swop and sell the seed . ( See Reference 3 )
