Papaver spicatum

About

Papaver spicatum is a species of poppy in the genus Papaver, member of the poppy family Papaveraceae. As with other Papaver species, its buds shed their two sepals as they open and the flowers typically have four to six petals. It produces a rounded capsule fruit which later releases numerous tiny seeds. In the UK it flowers from May to August.

About the genus

Papaver is a genus of 70–100 species of frost-tolerant annuals, biennials, and perennials native to temperate and cold regions of Eurasia, Africa and North America. It is the type genus of the poppy family, Papaveraceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Papaver", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Papaver

In the garden

Papaver spicatum sits within the genus Papaver, the type genus of the poppy family, which includes 70–100 frost-tolerant annuals, biennials and perennials from temperate and cold parts of Eurasia, Africa and North America. The flowers conform to the genus pattern: sepals fall away at opening, petals number four (occasionally to six) and many stamens surround a compound pistil. Plants in this genus are noted for producing a globular, dehiscing capsule capped by the dried stigmas; the capsule contains very small seeds that are dispersed when air movement shakes the stem. Flowering in the UK occurs May to August, which gives a long window for pollinators to visit and for seed to set through the summer months. Frost-tolerance across the genus means many Papaver species withstand cool winters where temperatures fall below freezing. In a UK garden, allow space for plants to set and shed seed if self-seeding is acceptable; they suit open, temperate positions such as meadow strips, rough borders or areas where a loose, airy habit is appropriate. Inspect capsules in late summer — the dried stigmatic disc sits atop a round capsule that will scatter countless tiny seeds when the stem is moved by wind or brush.

More in the Papaver genus

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