Papaver hybridum - Rough Poppy
Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Ranunculales - Family: Papaveraceae
Description
Rough Poppy is an annual and grows to a height of up to 50cm, although 30cm is more typical. The flowers, born singly on hairy stems, are 2.5 to 5cm across and have four deep red petals, each with a black spot at the base. The petals are usually abutting or slightly separated rather than overlapping.
Distribution
In Britain this is the least common of the native poppy species. It is most often seen in southern Britain and is much less plentiful in the north of England and in Scotland.
Habitat
Popies love disturbed soil. Rough Poppy is most ofen found on chalky soil, although it can tolerate neutral or mildly acidic soil..
Blooming times
In Britain the Rough Poppy usually produces flowers from late April through to the end of June.
Etymology
The specific epithet hybridum comes from the Latin word for mongrel.
The pictures shown on this page were taken in England and Wales during May and June.
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