Damigeron's Dungeon: Prestigious Plants - Papaveraceae 04

Plant Indices

Alphabetical Index (Genera)
Alphabetical Index (Vernacular)
Cladistic Index

Genera:

Poppy (Papaver)
Horn Poppy (Glaucium)
Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis)

* * * * * * *

POPPY (Papaver)

Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae

Papaver somniferum subsp. setigerum, April 2010.
Own work--Alvesgaspar.

Africa, Eastern

Somali: Xamxaam, Xash-Xaash

Africa, Southern

Afrikaans: Vlaproos

America, North

Nahuatl: Atlaloc

Navajo: Nala't

Europe, Central

Czech: Mák

German: Mohn

Hungarian: Mák

Polish: Mak

Slovak: Mak

Europe, Eastern

Albanian: Fiks

Russian: Makovyi, Opiumnyi Mak

Europe, Northern

Danish: Kornvalmue, Valmue

Finnish: Kukkauni, Unikko

Icelandic: Skrjadur

Norwegian: Arcticmohn, Blodurt, Valmue

Swedish: Kornvallmo, Vallmo

Europe, Southern

Greek: Maki

Italian: Papaver, Rosella

Portuguese: Papoila, Papoula, Romeira

Spanish: Amapola

Europe, Western

Dutch: Klaproos, Papaver, Slaapbol

English: Poppy, Corn Rose, Cracking Rose, Field Poppy

French: Coquelicot, Pavot

Temperate and cold regions of Eurasia, Africa, and North America.

Native to:

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Africa, Southern: Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa (Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces)

Asia, Central: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Asia, Northern: Russia

Asia, South: Afghanistan, India (Assam), Nepal, Pakistan

Asia, Western: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Gulf States, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Yemen

Europe, Central: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland

Europe, Eastern: Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine

Europe, Northern: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands

Europe, Southern: Greece, Italy, Portugal (Azores, Madeira), Spain (Baleares, Canary Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily)

Europe, Western: Belgium, France, England, Ireland, Scotland

Oceania: Cape Verde

Introduced to:

Africa, Eastern: Ethiopia

Africa, Western: Angola, Western Sahara

America, North: Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, United States (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin)

America, South: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Asia, Central: Russia (Altay, West Siberia), Xinjiang

Asia, East: China, Korea, Russia (Amur, Khabarovsk, Magadan, Primorye), Taiwan

Asia, South: Bangladesh, East Himalaya, Myanmar

Asia, Southeast: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam

Asia, Western: Tibet

Europe, Northern: Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

Oceania: Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia), Falkland Islands, Juan Fernández Islands, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Tristan da Cunha

Type genus of Papaveraceae, containing close to 100 species of frost tolerant annuals, biennials, and perennials. These are herbaceous plants grown for their colorful flowers and, in the case of one species, for opium production.

Papaver argemone drawing by Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé,
from Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz (1855).
Sourced from biolib.de.

Sleep
The poppy, being a natural source of opium, has a strong association with sleep. The Greeks regarded it an emblem of the gods of sleep (Hypnos) and dreams (Morpheus). This was carried over into more modern eras as an emblem of the allegorical figure of Night.

Poppies were also wreathed upon statues of Apollo, Asclepius, Pluto, Demeter, Cybele, and Isis, in reference to divine nocturnal oblivion.

Funerary
The poppy has strong funerary symbolism that has carried over from antiquity. It was used in tomb burials in Egypt. The soporific properties of opium lend it naturally to association with the final sleep: death. The Greeks believe that poppies also grew in the land of the dead, Hades. Persephone, being queen of the dead, had poppies wound in her hair. The color of the red poppy lent itself well to a reinterpretation of this symbolism under Christianity, where the red tied it to Christ's sacrifice, and through his death to eternal life.

Language of Flowers
Stronger meaning is attached to poppies by their color. According to Kate Greenaway, the meanings are such:

Red: "consolation."
Scarlet: "fantastic extravagance."
White: "sleep;" "my bane," or "my antidote."

The last two messages from the white poppy may be context dependent, or they may be stated simultaneously, indicating that the sender is addicted to the recipient like a drug. This may be flirtatious, or a sincere acknowledgment that a relationship is unhealthy.

Papaver rhoeas, Thasos, Greece, 29th May, 2007.
Own work--Jörg Hempel.

This plant's history goes back sometime between 6000-3500 BC, including evidence of ornamental growing from around 5000 BC, when it is believed that the Sumerians were the first to domesticate the plant. Trace evidence was found in small juglets in Egypt, as well as depictions of the flower in jewelry, dating somewhere between 1550-1292 BC.

Poppy Oil
Poppy oil is used to produce paints, varnishes, and some cosmetics.

Modern Memorial
In the modern day, the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, particularly in Commonwealth countries. This tradition stems from the famous poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, written during World War I, which described poppies growing among the graves of fallen soldiers.

In magical traditions, poppies are associated with sleep, dreams, death, and the underworld. They are used in spells for:

Inducing prophetic dreams
Communicating with the dead
Creating sleep potions
Banishing nightmares
Protection during astral travel

The seeds are often used in invisibility spells, while the flowers are associated with lunar magic and goddess worship.

Poppy seeds are widely used in baking and cooking, particularly in Central and Eastern European cuisines. They are used in:

Breads and pastries
Cakes and muffins
Traditional dishes like poppy seed strudel
Salad dressings and sauces

The seeds are nutritious, containing healthy oils, protein, and minerals. However, unwashed poppy seeds may contain trace amounts of opiates, which can show up in drug tests.

The color of poppies has a strong association with blood. There are many ways to work with this, from the blood of slain soldiers to the spilled blood of monsters like dragons. This could easily be used to substitute for those violently killed as a reagent in spells, especially in necromancy.
Representations of plants on jewelry could potentially have their own magical properties. Consider the intersection of the plant and the stone medium.
Poppy seeds used like ancient or medieval aspirin seems like a good avenue for jokes.
The common poppy can be used as a shared symbol between disparate cultures, revealing those cultures' differing priorities on the flower's death symbolism. A culture which uses poppies to honor the dead will be different from one which uses it to honor romantic love, both of which are quite different from a culture which associates it with religious self-sacrifice. (This would be for a constructed world of middling resolution, as all three interpretations hold truck in Western culture.)

Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

Papaver rhoeas, from Franz Eugen Köhler's three-volume work,
Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen (1887-1898).
Image provided by the University of Griefswald.

Africa, Southern

Afrikaans: Graanroos, Rouwblom, Wilde Heulblom, Wilde Papawer

Asia, East

Chinese: Yumeiren

Asia, South

Kashmiri: Bhuin Phool

Urdu: Lale

Asia, West

Arabic: Afyun, Khaskhash, Shaqaiq An-Nu'man

Armenian: Gortsapopy, Kakach

Azerbaijani: Kökürcün

Turkish: Yabani Gelincik

Europe, Central

Czech: Katarinka, Kokarďák, Mak Vlčí, Ohřinec, Polní Mák, Vlčí Mák

German: Gemeiner Mohn, Klatschmohn, Mittagsblume, Mohnblume, Roemeria, Röschen, Sommer Rose, Wilder Mohn

Hungarian: Hullok, Mákvirág, Pipacs, Piros Pipacs

Luxembourgish: Klatzschmohn, Schwaarm-Roues

Polish: Błękitnik, Brudny Mak, Jęczmień, Jęczmionka, Kukuryku, Kukurykówka, Mak Polny, Płomyczek, Żarawica

Slovak: Plamenec

Europe, Eastern

Albanian: Peshkashok, Peshman Pasha

Croatian: Poljski Mak

Estonian: Fargetaksurt, Hallika, Papaaver

Latvian: Burbuļmagonīte, Ogamārīte

Lithuanian: Gėlyčių Aguona

Serbian: Jaglika

Slovenian: Rdeči Mak

Europe, Northern

Danish: Kornvalmue, Mengekorn, Valmue

Finnish: Hohtounikko, Paavo, Ruusu, Ruusuruoho, Silkkiunikko, Unikko, Vildunikko

Norwegian: Måneskulpe, Valmue

Swedish: Kornvallmo, Pepparkaka, Vallmo

Europe, Southern

Catalan: Babaol, Papareta, Papol, Rosella

Corsican: Paparona

Galician: Abolera, Babairoso, Papola

Greek: Anémona, Kokineli

Italian: Papavero Comune, Rosolaccio

Maltese: Baaboons, Babolna, Bebella, Bebiliya, Ghasafar, Ghasfur, Kunsill, Loulou, Perjona

Occitan: Rose Del Ble

Portuguese: Papoila, Papoila-das-searas, Papoila-ordinária, Papoula

Sicilian: Paparina, Paparuna

Spanish: Adormidera, Amapola, Pavo Real, Roella

Europe, Western

Basque: Apormauna, Halliko, Xaxa-xexi

Breton: Adamour

Dutch: Gewone Klaproos, Klaproos, Papaver, Roos

English: Common Poppy, Cock-rose, Corn Pop, Corn Poppy, Corn Rose, Field Poppy, Flanders Poppy, Flour Rose, Poppy, Red Poppy, Shirley Poppy, Thunder Flower

French: Coquelicot, Pavot Coquelicot, Pavot Des Champs, Rose

Irish: Fióinín

Welsh: Llygad Y Dydd

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Asia, Central: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan

Asia, Northern: Russia (Central European Russia, East European Russia, Krym, North Caucasus, Northwest European Russia, South European Russia)

Asia, South: Afghanistan, Pakistan

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey

Europe, Central: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland

Europe, Eastern: Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine

Europe, Northern: Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden

Europe, Southern: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain

Europe, Western: Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands

An annual herbaceous plant growing 20-90cm (8-35in) tall, with blue-green, lobed leaves 2-7cm long. The flowers are vivid red. The plant can produce up to 400 flowers in a warm season, with each only lasting a day. When broken open, it produces a white to yellowish latex.

It thrives in disturbed soil, abundant in farm plots prior to pesticides. It grows in fields, grasslands, and the sides of roads. It is hardy down to 10 °F (-12 °C).

Papaver rhoeas flower stages: bud, flower, and fruit capsule, April 2010.
Own work-Alvesgaspar.

This plant's fertility symbolism is long, reaching into antiquity. This is the poppy with the most deeply-rooted fertility symbolism.

Loyalty
In China the common poppy is known as yumeiren ("Yu the Beauty"), named after the Consort Yu, legendary concubine of the warlord Xiang Yu. When Liu Bang (founder of the Han Dynasty) besieged Xiang Yu at Gaixia, Consort Yu took her own life instead of letting herself be captured. Where she died the poppy grew, becoming a symbol of loyalty unto death.

Remembrance
The common poppy became a symbol of remembrance for World War I casualties, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae. The red color represents the blood spilled in battle, while the flower's ability to thrive in disturbed soil made it a natural symbol for life emerging from the devastation of war.

A memorial Flanders poppy from New Zealand, 9th June, 2012.
Own work--Moriori.

Art and Literature
The common poppy has been featured prominently in art and literature as a symbol of both beauty and transience. Its brief blooming period makes it a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life.

Modern Usage
Today, artificial poppies are sold for charity fundraising, particularly by veterans' organizations. The proceeds support veterans and their families, continuing the tradition of honoring military service.

Persian Poetry
In Persian poetry the common poppy and the tulip are interchangeable symbols, both representing passionate love and the brevity of beauty.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

The common poppy produces the mild sedative alkaloid rhoeadine.

It was used to treat gout, aches, and general pains. The petals were used to make a syrup fed to children to help them sleep.

The leaves and latex are acrid in taste and mildly poisonous to grazing animals.

The seeds are edible, raw or in bread. The oil is regarded well in French cuisine.

Quite a lot can be done with a sleep syrup.
In Persian poetry the common poppy and the tulip are interchangeable.
The common poppy can be used as a shared symbol between disparate cultures, revealing those cultures' differing priorities on the flower's death symbolism. A culture which uses poppies to honor the dead will be different from one which uses it to honor romantic love, both of which are quite different from a culture which associates it with religious self-sacrifice. (This would be for a constructed world of middling resolution, as all three interpretations hold truck in Western culture.)

Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

Papaver somniferum, 26th June, 2005.
Own work--Louise Joly, one half of AtelierJoly.

Africa, Northern

Ancient Egyptian: Kheshbin, Spnw

Africa, Southern

Sesotho: Letshedid

Africa, Western

Hausa: Awafiun

Yoruba: Apene

Asia, Central

Kazakh: Kyskhash

Uzbek: Kuknarcha

Asia, East

Cantonese: Chan Yak, Fu-yung

Chinese: O-fu-yung

Japanese: Kasa, Keshi

Korean: Shudang

Mandarin: Fu-yung, Ya-pian, Ya-pien, Yingsu

Tibetan: Gogsugbha

Asia, South

Hindi: Afeem, Chandu, Khash Khaash, Khus Khus, Madat, Maslak, Post

Malayalam: Apiun, Mace

Nepali: Popy

Punjabi: Apfeen

Sanskrit: Ahiphena, Ahiphenam, Gandana

Tamil: Apiin, Kasa-Kasa

Urdu: Khas Khas

Asia, Southeast

Burmese: Kinmun

Indonesian: Madak

Javanese: Djadam, Madak

Malay: Chandu, Kus-Kus

Thai: Mae Salaep

Asia, West

Akkadian: Shekem

Arabic: Afyūn, Hashish, Kashkash, Khaskhash

Azerbaijani: Kaşkaş

Biblical Hebrew: Miqshah, Rosh

Persian: Aphim, Khan, Khash-Khash

Turkish: Afyon, Afyonlu Haşhaş, Haşhaş, Kaşkaş

Europe, Central

Czech: Mak Setný, Mák Setý

German: Dagmohn, Edmohn, Gartenmohn, Himmelmohn, Mohnblume, Opiummohn, Schlafmohn

Hungarian: Birkes, Magzat, Ópiummák

Polish: Mak Lekarski, Makowiec Lekarski

Europe, Eastern

Estonian: Opiimoon

Latvian: Apini

Lithuanian: Apiñi

Russian: Opiumnyi Mak

Europe, Northern

Danish: Klaprose, Opiumvalmue, Valmue, Valmuer, Valmuesaft

Finnish: Ohom, Oppi, Unimago, Unikko

Norwegian: Dåresleik, Opiumvalmue

Swedish: Hullvallmo, Lettsömn, Mageslätt, Opievallmo, Opiumvallmo, Sömntuta, Vallmo

Europe, Southern

Greek: Afion, Aphiyon

Italian: Papavero Da Oppio, Papavero Domestico

Portuguese: Afim, Dormideira, Heroína, Papaver Da Ópio

Spanish: Adormidera, Amapola Real, Dormidera, Heroina, Opio

Europe, Western

Dutch: Hasjisj, Heroïen, Kegelmaanzaad, Klaproos, Opium, Papaver, Slaapbol

English: Opium Poppy, Blue Poppy, Breadseed Poppy, Garden Poppy, Joy Plant, Magseed, Moon Poppy, Oilseed Poppy, Opiate Poppy, White Poppy

French: Pavot, Pavot À Opium, Pavot Somnifère, Pivoine

Eastern Mediterranean, introduced across Europe and Asia in antiquity. Naturalized all across the UK, especially in the south and east.

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Europe, Southern: Italy, Portugal, Spain

Europe, Western: France

An annual herb that grows 1m (40in) tall, which produces flowers 3-10cm (1-4in) in diameter, typically occurring in the colors white, mauve, or red, with occasional dark markings at the base.

This poppy is an emblem of eternal sleep.

Poppy press cake is the leftover of the process of extracting oil from the seeds, and is used as fodder for animals, especially poultry and fancy birds.

Arab-Islamic traders introduced the opium poppy and opium production to India and China.

Later opium became a popular recreational drug in Ottoman society from the 16th-19th centuries. This use was also observed and recorded extensively in Safavid Iran and Mughal India.

Paracelsus
The reintroduction of Greek and Latin medical texts into Europe had a significant impact on both the development of the western occult and modern medicine. The great alchemist Paracelsus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim responded to the popular reintroduction of the works of Aulus Cornelius Celsus on medicinal opium by styling "Paracelsus," equal to or greater than Celsus. Paracelsus supposedly returned from wandering in Arabia with a magic sword, in the pommel in which he held pills of laudanum, which were "Stones of Immortality" made from opium, citrus juice, and "quintessence of gold." This laudanum became standardized as a tincture of opium and ethanol, and by the 1660s was treated as something of a cure-all.

Colonial Period
The movement of opium from colonial India to Qing China by the East India Company to balance out the cost of exporting tea out of China led to the First and Second Opium Wars.

During the early 19th century "dope" entered the vernacular. This originally referred to viscous liquids generally, such as sauces and gravies. This has been used to refer to opium in particular since at least 1888, as opium prepared for smoking is viscous.

15th century Chinese observer Xu Boling stated that among the many people who benefit from the use of opium, that "it enhances the art of alchemists…" It is not clear to this compiler whether this means that the inclusion of opium improves the quality of alchemical works by its inclusion the process, or that opium improves their practice when consumed.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

This plant is heavily cultivated for the alkaloids morphine, codeine, thebaine, and oripavine. This use predates written history.

Opium can be consumed a number of ways, including oral consumption, inhalation, suppository, and poultice.

Depression
Long history of use as an antidepressant.

Opium was recognized as deadly in large doses since antiquity. It was used in conjunction with hemlock for suicide. It was also used to stupefy and hypnotize.

Opium is the base material for the production of heroin.

Opium Smoking
The traditional opium pipe is known as a "dream stick."

Photo of users in a Javanese opium den, circa 1870, photographer unknown.
From the photo collection of the World Museum of Amsterdam.

The seeds of this poppy are favored in Central Europe for traditional pastries.

Czech blue poppy seeds, 4th June, 2018.
Own work--Mojeagro.

Perhaps do something with the different colors of the flower lending different properties to the opium?
This plant naturalizes anywhere with a suitable climate, so it should be expected anywhere the climate is temperate. Lean into this.
Opium in a phylactery or phylactery ring could have all manner of uses, from being a tool of art for a doctor to the accessory of a reckless soldier. It could be paired with a gem like an emerald to magnify each material's supposed eye-treating effects.
Meconium syrup seems like it would be a useful common painkiller.
Opium magi. Their magic improves from opium use. Alternately, Opium could be used to do something like restore mana at the cost of risk of addiction. Work with this.
Based on the name "Night Pearl," the dope has a [pearl] association that is worth expanding upon in any direction that presents.
A religion might take great offense to the recreational use of opium because of its mythological role as the painkiller of the gods. Recreational use would be regarded as an abuse of a sacred substance, and might even provoke a lethal response.
Paracelsus's laudanum recipe might be interpreted as the god-anesthetic. This establishes a division between magic laudanum and the standardized ethanol-opium.
The pillbox-pommel sword might be a model for a reagent-distribution mechanism for a sword (dose of poison, magical oil, elemental tar, etc.). Such a sword loaded with the god-laudanum might be able to put people to sleep with the slightest of cuts.

Poppy of Troy (Papaver somniferum subsp. setigerum)

Poppy of Troy, April 2010.
Own work--Alvegaspar.

Africa, Southern

Afrikaans: Dwarfpawpaw

Asia, West

Turkish: Haşhaş

Europe, Central

German: Setiger Mohn

Polish: Mak Szczeciasty

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Selvatico

Spanish: Amapola Silvestre

Europe, Western

Dutch: Wilde Slaapbol

English: Poppy of Troy, Bristly Poppy, Dwarf Broadseed Poppy, Rough Opium Poppy, Rough Poppy, Setaceous Poppy, Troy Poppy, Wild Opium Poppy

French: Coquelicot Sauvage, Pavot Sauvage

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Europe, Southern: Italy, Portugal, Spain

Europe, Western: France

Herbaceous annual closely related to the opium poppy, this flower produces a small amount of morphine alkaloids.

The poppy of Troy reaches 10-80cm (7.9-31.5in) in height, with an erect stem, ending in flowers 4-10cm in diameter, with pink-purple petals, with a dark purple blotch at the base. It flowers May through June.

Retained for name, distribution, and color.

OPIUM (Material: Lachryma papaveris)

A brick of dried opium latex, 3rd Oct, 2017.
From The Honest Drug Book, photo by DMTrott.

Asia, West

Akkadian: Shekem

Ancient Hebrew: Miqshah, Rosh

Arabic: Afyūn, Hashish

Persian: Aphim, Khan, Khash-Khash, Peri

Sumerian: Hul Gil

Turkish: Affion

Europe, Central

German: Abendsonne

Europe, Eastern

Romanian: Afium

Europe, Southern

Ancient Greek: Aiphion, Dakruon Mekonos, Meconeion, Mekon, Mekonos Opion, Thebaikon, Theriaca

Greek: Afiún, Opion, Theriac

Latin: Opii, Opium, Opium Crudum, Opium Thebaicum, Papaveris Succus, Succus Papaveris, Succus Thebaicus, Thebaicum, Tinctura Opii

Spanish: Afión, Opio

Europe, Western

English: Opium, Big O, Black Pill, Celestial Drug, Dope, Dover's Powder, Dragon's Breath, Dream Medicine, Gateway to Paradise, Golden Smoke, Gum Opium, Heaven's Dew, Hop, Laudanum, Meconium, Midnight Oil, Moon Medicine, Night Pearl, O'er The Wall, O.P., Opium Poppy Latex, Papaver Juice, Peace Smoke, Pharaoh's Tears, Poppy Juice, Poppy Tears, Poppy's Milk, Raw Opium, Serpent's Kiss, Shanghai Sally, Sleep Maker, Soporific, Tar, Tears of Night, Tears Of The Poppy, Theban Dew, Tiger's Smoke, Wedding Smoke, Wizard's Dream

French: Pavot

The seed-heads of the poppy are slit to release a milky latex with the technical name Lachryma papaveris. This latex is potent in the narcotic alkaloids that make up opium (such as morphine, codeine, thebaine, oripavine, etc.), and may cause irritation on direct contact with the skin. The "scored" poppy heads are allowed to bleed the latex, and then the latex is left to dry on the plant, before later being scraped off. This dried latex is the opium.

The methods of preparation have not changed significantly since prehistory, save that perhaps cultivation of the source plant is more sophisticated.

Latex harvested from other parts of the plant, or from other, less potent poppies, was called meconium.

The lacerated seedhead of Papaver somniferum leaking opium latex.
Taken in Den Haag, Netherlands, 11th June, 2006.
Own work--KGM007.

Opium has strong association with gods of sleep, night, and death.

Opium was also associated with the mystic powers of priests, magicians, and warriors. The Egyptians credited Thoth with its creation and was given as a gift by Isis to Re to treat a headache.

Antiquity
Use of the opium poppy as a painkiller predates written history, with archeological evidence showing garden cultivation as far back as 5000 BC, across the Mediterranean and west of the Rhine.

Arab-Islamic traders introduced the opium poppy and opium production to India and China.

Later opium became a popular recreational drug in Ottoman society from the 16th-19th centuries. This use was also observed and recorded extensively in Safavid Iran and Mughal India.

Colonial Period
The movement of opium from colonial India to Qing China by the East India Company to balance out the cost of exporting tea out of China led to the First and Second Opium Wars.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

Opium can be consumed a number of ways, including oral consumption, inhalation, suppository, and poultice.

Analgesic
The Egyptians told a story of how Isis gave the plant to Re to cure the god's headache. Opium is the painkiller of the gods! It was used to treat everything from migraines to sciatica and neuromuscular disturbances.

In antiquity a spongia somnifera, or a sponge soaked in opium, was used as anesthetic in surgery.

The famed Andalusian eye surgeon Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi combined opium and mandrake as his anesthetic of choice. Avicenna likewise documented and compared the two plants in his work The Canon of Medicine.

Sleep Aid
Opium's narcotic effects have been used since pre-history as an aid to sleep.

Respiratory Issues
Opium was used to treat asthma. This use was championed by Galen.

Cold
Opium is an antitussive.

GI Issues
Opium was prescribed for treating stomach illnesses, including diarrhea and dysentery.

Eye Issues
Opium was used to treat bad eyesight.

Intimate Issues
Opium was used to treat sexual dysfunction (presumably for both sexes). 15th century Chinese writer Xu Boling observed its recreational use in this capacity and even provided an account of the emperor sending out an expedition to obtain high quality opium worth its weight in gold.

Depression
Long history of use as an antidepressant.

Opium was recognized as deadly in large doses since antiquity. It was used in conjunction with hemlock for suicide. It was also used to stupefy and hypnotize.

Opium is the base material for the production of heroin.

Opium Smoking
The traditional opium pipe is known as a "dream stick."

Photo of users in a Javanese opium den, circa 1870, photographer unknown.
From the photo collection of the World Museum of Amsterdam.

Opium in a phylactery or phylactery ring could have all manner of uses, from being a tool of art for a doctor to the accessory of a reckless soldier. It could be paired with a gem like an emerald to magnify each material's supposed eye-treating effects.
Meconium syrup seems like it would be a useful common painkiller.
Opium magi. Their magic improves from opium use. Alternately, Opium could be used to do something like restore mana at the cost of risk of addiction. Work with this.
Based on the name "Night Pearl," the dope has a [pearl] association that is worth expanding upon in any direction that presents.
A religion might take great offense to the recreational use of opium because of its mythological role as the painkiller of the gods. Recreational use would be regarded as an abuse of a sacred substance, and might even provoke a lethal response.
Paracelsus's laudanum recipe might be interpreted as the god-anesthetic. This establishes a division between magic laudanum and the standardized ethanol-opium.
The pillbox-pommel sword might be a model for a reagent-distribution mechanism for a sword (dose of poison, magical oil, elemental tar, etc.). Such a sword loaded with the god-laudanum might be able to put people to sleep with the slightest of cuts.

Alpine Poppy (Papaver alpinum)

Papaver alpinum, Schroken, Upper Austria, 19th June, 2005.
Own --Tigerente.

Asia, East

Japanese: Urutsurugiichige

Europe, Central

Czech: Mak Alpský, Mákovec Alpský

German: Alpen-Mohn, Alpenmohn

Polish: Mak Alpejski

Slovak: Mak Alpský

Europe, Northern

Danish: Alpvalmue

Icelandic: Alpínskur Valmúi, Fjallvalmur

Norwegian: Alpemohn, Fjellvalmue

Swedish: Alpinvallmo, Fjällvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Alpino, Rosella Alpina

Europe, Western

Dutch: Hooggebergspapaver

English: Alpine Poppy, Dwarf Poppy

French: Coquelicot Des Alpes, Pavot Des Alpes

Europe, Central: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland

Europe, Eastern: Bulgaria, Romania

Europe, Southern: Italy, Serbia, Spain

Europe, Western: France

The alpine poppy is a short, upright, hairy perennial the grows between 5-20cm in height, with several upright stems which produce a latex when cut. The flowers have a diameter up to 5cm and flower from July to August.

The alpine poppy's roots are particularly robust, composed of a strong taproot with root hairs that angle upward, providing a strong grip.

Useful reagent for making one difficult to root out.

Arctic Poppy (Papaver radicatum syn. Oreomecon radicata)

Papaver radicatum, 30th April, 2019.
Photo by hitchco on iNaturalist.org.

Europe, Central

Polish: Mak Korzeniowy

Europe, Northern

Danish: Fjeldvalmue, Grønlandsvalmue

Finnish: Kurjenpolvenvallmo, Lapinunikko, Ruijanvalmu

Norwegian: Dvergevalmue, Fjelltulipan, Grønlandsvalmue, Nordisk Valmue, Svalbardvalmue

Swedish: Fjällvallmo, Grönlandsvallmo, Lappvallmo

Europe, Western

English: Arctic Poppy, Dwarf Alpine Poppy, Rooted Poppy, Tundra Poppy, Yellow Arctic Poppy, Yellow Poppy

French: Pavot Arctique

Circumpolar; Europe, North America, Asia.

Europe, Northern: Denmark (Faroe Islands), Iceland, Norway, Sweden

Asia, Northern: Russia (North European Russia)

This poppy grows in arctic and alpine environments and is one of the northernmost plants in the world, growing at latitude 83°40'N on Kaffeklubben Island. Its stems are hairy, with the function of heat retention and insulation.

This poppy appears in both white and yellow, with the colors corresponding to different habits. The yellow poppies are more widely distributed in fields, while the white poppies are found in more remote locations. Its flowers exhibit distinct heliotropism, following the sun over the course of the day, using the cup shape of the flower to trap warm air inside to protect the ovaries from the frost.

The heliotropic habit of this plant is ripe for exploitation, especially as a fertility-oriented reagent.

Armenian Poppy (Papaver armeniacum)

Papaver armeniacum, 13th July, 2018.
Photo by Andre Hosper on inaturalist.org.

Asia, West

Armenian: Haykakan Kakach, Kalach

Europe, Central

German: Armenischer Mohn

Polish: Mak Armeński

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Armeno

Spanish: Amapola Armenia

Europe, Western

English: Armenian Poppy

French: Coquelicot d'Arménie, Pavot d'Arménie

Caucasus Region

Asia, Northern: Russia (North Caucasus)

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey

Atlas Poppy (Papaver atlanticum)

Papaver atlanticum, 3rd Feb, 2009.
Taken from anniesannuals on Flickr.

Europe, Central

German: Atlas-Mohn

Hungarian: Atlaszmák

Polish: Mak Atlaski

Europe, Northern

Finnish: Maapallo

Norwegian: Vallmo

Swedish: Atlaspavallmo, Marockansk Vallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Dell'atlante

Europe, Western

Dutch: Atlantisch Klaproos

English: Atlas Poppy, Atlantic Poppy, Moroccan Poppy, Spanish Poppy

French: Coquelicot De L'atlas, Pavot De L'atlas

Africa, Northern: Morocco

Perennial with pale orange flowers on long, wiry stems.

Named for the Atlas Mountains, but could easily be construed as related to Atlas the Titan (for which the mountains are named).
Working from "Atlas's Poppy," this could be used to indicate comfort following performance of a great deed (in the eyes of the giver of the flower). Alternately, it might be used as a malefic reagent, to compel the identified "Atlas" to stupefy and buckle under the weight of their burden.

Bastard Poppy (Papaver hybridum syn. Roemeria sicula)

Papaver hybridum, 9th April, 2012.
Photo by Jacilluch on Flickr.

Africa, Southern

Afrikaans: Rouwblom

Asia, West

Georgian: Shakhroni

Europe, Central

Czech: Mak Zvrhlý

German: Gefleckter Mohn, Stachelmohn

Polish: Mak Mieszańcowy, Mak Mieszaniec, Mak Polny

Europe, Northern

Swedish: Kornvallmo, Stoppelvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Ibrido

Maltese: Espuni

Europe, Western

Dutch: Klaproos

English: Bastard Poppy, Hispid Poppy, Hybrid Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Rabbitears, Rough Poppy, Rough Pricklyhead Poppy, Sand Poppy, Sickly Poppy, Wild Poppy

French: Coquelicot Hybride, Pavot Hybride, Roemeria

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Egypt (Sinai), Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Asia, Central: Turkmenistan

Asia, Northern: Russia (Krym, North Caucasus)

Asia, South: Afghanistan, Pakistan

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey

Europe, Eastern: Bulgaria

Europe, Southern: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece (Crete, East Aegean Islands), Italy (Sicily, Sardinia), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal (Madeira), Serbia, Spain (Balearic Islands, Canary Islands)

Europe, Western: France (Corsica)

This is a weed of cereal crops.

Considering that this plant is a cereal weed, this may well be the poppy that is the ill-omen of the field.
"Sickly poppy" suggests that use of this plant for its soporific effects may also become subject to malefic influences of disease. An opium used by wicked witches to help spread plague?

Blind Poppy (Papaver dubium)

Papaver dubium, 16th June, 2005.
Own work--Rasbak.

Europe, Central

Czech: Dlouhoplodý Mák

German: Blinder Mohn, Blindmohn, Dubiöser Mohn, Hoher Mohn, Saatmohn

Hungarian: Kétséges Mák, Közvalmák

Polish: Mak Wątpliwy

Slovak: Dlouhoplodý Vlčí Mák

Europe, Eastern

Lithuanian: Umazaná Aguona

Europe, Northern

Danish: Langarvet Valmue

Finnish: Saaren Unikko

Norwegian: Blåvalmue, Lysgrønn Valmue, Tvilsom Valmue

Swedish: Långvallmo, Smalnaturvallmo, Tveksam Vallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero A Clava, Papavero Dubbio

Europe, Western

Dutch: Bleke Klaproos, Twijfelachtige Klaproos

English: Blind Poppy, Bastard Poppy, Blindeye, Doubtful Poppy, Long Poppy, Longhead Poppy, Longpod Poppy, Small Poppy

French: Coquelicot Douteux, Pavot Douteux

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Asia, Northern: Russia (Krym, North Caucasus, Northwest European Russia, South European Russia)

Asia, South: Afghanistan, Pakistan

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

Europe, Central: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland

Europe, Eastern: Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine

Europe, Northern: Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden

Europe, Southern: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain

Europe, Western: Belgium, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland

The longhead poppy is a variable annual that grows ~60cm in height. The stems are hairy, with the hair staying close to the stem (unlike Papaver rhoeas, which has hairs perpendicular to the stem). Its flower is 3-7cm across, and commonly a light red with no black spot at the base of the petals. It flowers in late spring to mid-summer.

Favors sandy soils with no lime.

Name "blindeyes" lends it well to espionage or discretion. Mixed in the food or drink of a target or group of targets with a spell, this might blind all who consume it to the movement of malicious actors directly in line of sight.
Alternately, could be employed in a nosegay to tell the recipient to keep silent and pay no mind.

Caucasian Poppy (Papaver arenarium)

Papaver arenarium, 1989.
Own work--Fornax.

Europe, Central

German: Dänen-Mohn, Dünenmohn, Sandmohn

Polish: Mak Piaskowy

Europe, Eastern

Estonian: Rohupõldvagun

Europe, Northern

Danish: Klit-Valmue, Sandvalmue

Finnish: Hiekka-Unikko

Norwegian: Sandvalmue

Swedish: Sandvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Arena Papavero, Papavero Delle Sabbie

Spanish: Amapola De Arena

Europe, Western

Dutch: Klatroos, Zandklaproos

English: Caucasian Poppy, Sand Poppy

French: Coquelicot Des Sables, Pavot Des Sables

Asia, Central: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan

Asia, Northern: Russia (North Caucasus, South European Russia)

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey

A poppy that produces N-demethylcodeine instead of morphine.

Caucasian Scarlet Poppy (Papaver commutatum)

Papaver commutatum, 25th Aug, 2007.
Photo by André Schneider.

Europe, Central

German: Commutatum-Mohn, Tschitscherinmohn, Verwechselter Mohn

Polish: Mak Zmienny

Europe, Northern

Danish: Tusindpige

Swedish: Slöjvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Scambiato, Papavero Variabile

Europe, Western

Dutch: Juffertje In't Groen, Verander-Klaproos

English: Caucasian Scarlet Poppy, Changeable Poppy, Ladybird Poppy, Variable Poppy

French: Coquelicot Changeant, Coquelicot Variable, Pavot Changeant, Pavot Variable

Asia, Central: Turkmenistan

Asia, Northern: Russia (Krym, North Caucasus)

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran

An erect annual that grows up to 45cm (18in) tall and 15cm(6in) wide. Its leaves and stalks are hairy. Its flower is about 8cm (3in) in diameter and cup-shaped. It is bright red with large black blotches at the base of the petals. It flowers in early summer.

Harebell Poppy (P. quintuplinervium syn. Meconopsis quituplinervia)

Papaver quintuplinervium (syn. Meconopsis quintuplinervia).
From gardenersworld.com.

Asia, East

Chinese: Hublei Lü Ying Su, Lü Ying Su, Mang Ya Lü Ying Su, Wu Mai Hua

Europe, Central

Polish: Mak Pięciożyłkowy

Europe, Western

English: Harebell Poppy, Five-nerved Poppy, Hailar Poppy, Purple Poppy

French: Pavot À Cinq Nervures

Distribution: China

Asia, Central: Tibet

Asia, East: China (North-Central, South-Central, Qinghai)

Ice Poppy (P. nudicaule/croceum syn. Oreomecon nudicaulis/crocea)

Papaver nudicaule, Greenland, 9th Aug, 2011.
Own work--W. Pfahler.

Europe, Central

Czech: Mák Oranžový, Polární Mák

German: Arktischer Mohn, Gelber Alpenmohn, Island-Mohn, Islandsmohn

Hungarian: Izlandi Mák, Sáfrányos Mák

Polish: Mak Islandzki, Mak Syberyjski

Europe, Eastern

Lithuanian: Naktasis Aguoninis

Europe, Northern

Danish: Färövalmue, Gronlandsvalmue, Islandsvalmue

Finnish: Dwergunikko, Islannin Unikko, Keltainen Lapinunikko, Tunturiuinikko

Norwegian: Arktisch Valmue, Dvergvalmue, Fjellvalmue, Islandsk Valmue, Sibirisk Valmue

Swedish: Dvärgvallmo, Fjällvallmo, Groenvallmo, Islandsvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Alpino Giallo, Papavero D'islanda, Papavero Giallo Alpino

Europe, Western

Dutch: Gele Bergpapaver, Ijslandse Papaver

English: Ice Poppy, Alpine Poppy, Altai Poppy, Arctic Poppy, Barren Ground Poppy, Dwarf Poppy, High Alpine Poppy, Himalayan Poppy, Iceland Poppy, Icelandic Yellow Poppy, Naked-Stemmed Poppy, Orange Alpine Poppy, Polar Poppy, Saffron Poppy, Siberian Poppy, Yellow Alpine Poppy

French: Coquelicot Arctique, Nain Pavot, Oreomecon, Pavot Alpin, Pavot Alpin Jaune, Pavot D'islande, Pavot Des Alpes

Distribution: Subpolar

Distribution (Native):

Asia, Central: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Asia, Northern: Russia (Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Primorye, Sakhalin, Yakutskiya)

Asia, South: Afghanistan, India (West Himalaya), Pakistan

Distribution (Introduced):

America, North: Canada (Labrador), Greenland

Europe, Central: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland

Europe, Northern: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

Asia, Northern: Russia (Magadan)

For convenience we regard P. croceum and P. nudicaule as the same species.

Hardy boreal perennial with a short life. Its stems are bare. It produces large, fragrant flowers that bloom white or yellow.

These plants prefer light and full sun but are weak to hot weather conditions.

Ice poppy is a biennial herbaceous plant that grows 30-40cm (12-16in) high. Its stems are hairy and leafless. The flowers are 5-6cm (2.0-2.4in) wide, and its petals range from yellow to orange, red, and white. They bloom from June to August.

This plant favors pastures, meadows, rocky slopes, and landfill areas.

This poppy cuts well, surviving for several days in vase.

Known to contain a number of poisonous alkaloids, and not any of the fun ones.

For this compiler, its variety of colors and its northern/frosty habitats are of greatest interest.
As "ice poppy," it might be cultivated to produce an opium latex that not only draws the consumer into a deep sleep, but also to freeze them in a state of suspended animation. Think fantasy cryogenic freezing. Explore further.

Lapland Poppy (Papaver lapponicum syn. Oreomecon lapponica)

Papaver lapponicum subsp. occidentale, 17th Oct, 2008.
Photo by Takeo Goto on Flickr (now removed).

Europe, Central

Polish: Mak Lapoński

Europe, Northern

Danish: Fjeldvalmue, Lapplandsvalmue

Finnish: Lapinunikko, Ruijanvalmu

Norwegian: Nordisk Valmue

Swedish: Fjällvallmo, Lappvallmo

Europe, Western

English: Lapland Poppy, Arctic Poppy, Tundra Poppy

French: Pavot De Laponie

America, North: Canada (Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Québec, Yukon), Greenland, United States (Alaska)

Asia, Northern: Russia (East European Russia, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, North European Russia, West Siberia, Yakutskiya)

Europe, Northern: Norway

Perennial herb.

Orange Poppy (Papaver lateritium)

Papaver lateritium, 25th May, 2008.
Own work--Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man).

Asia, West

Armenian: Hayastani Kakach

Europe, Central

German: Östlicher Mohn, Ziegelroter Mohn

Polish: Mak Ceglasty

Europe, Northern

Danish: Teglrød Valmue

Swedish: Tegel Vallmo

Europe, Western

Dutch: Oranje Papaver

English: Orange Poppy, Armenian Poppy, Brick-Red Poppy, Caucasian Scarlet Poppy, Lateritius Poppy

French: Brique Pavot, Coquelicot D'arménie, Pavot Orangé

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey

Perennial that grows up to 50cm tall. Flowers are brick-red, sometimes apricot in color, 4.5-6cm across.

Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)

Papaver orientale, Dundas, Ontario, Canada, 10th Feb, 2006.
Own work--RoyBoy.

Africa, Southern

Afrikaans: Vlakpapawer

Asia, West

Turkish: Atesh Lalesi, Doğu Haşhaşı, İran Haşhaşı

Europe, Central

Czech: Východní Mák

German: Großer Mohn, Orientalischer Mohn, Türkischer Mohn

Polish: Mak Wschodni

Europe, Northern

Danish: Kæmpevalmue, Orientalsk Valmue

Finnish: Jättivalmukka, Orientaalinen Unikko

Norwegian: Kjempevalmue, Orientalsk Valmue

Swedish: Jättevallmo, Orientvallmo, Östervallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Orientale

Europe, Western

Dutch: Grote Klaproos, Harige Papaver, Turks Maanzaad

English: Oriental Poppy

French: Pavot D'orient

Distribution: Caucasus, northeast Turkey, northern Iran

Asia, Northern: Russia (North Caucasus)

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey

These poppies grown a mound of hairy leaves in spring, then bloom in mid-summer. Following bloom the leaves die away to conserve energy and water through the summer droughts of Central Asia.

Its habit for growing leaves in spring and discarding them in summer could be read as emblematic of prudence.

Pale Poppy (Papaver argemone syn. Roemeria argemone)

Papaver argemone (syn. Roemeria argemone) , 26th May 2012.
Photo by jacilluch on Flickr.

Europe, Central

Czech: Bodlákovitý Mák, Mak Polní

German: Bastklatschrose, Blauer Scheinklatschmohn, Rauhriziger Mohn, Sandmohn, Sandroemeria, Stachelmohn, Stiefmütterchen-Mohn

Hungarian: Árgemonmák, Jeszennepipacs

Polish: Mak Piaskowy

Slovak: Bábôčka Poľná

Europe, Northern

Danish: Gul Valmue, Klavervalmue

Norwegian: Rød Hornvalmue, Valmue-Hornvalmue

Swedish: Halmvallmo, Sandvallmo, Taggvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papaver Argemone, Papavero Argemone, Papavero Selvatico

Europe, Western

Dutch: Behaarde Ruige Klaproos, Keulen-Klaproos, Keulenpapaver, Klaproos, Ruig Klaproos, Zandklaproos

English: Pale Poppy, Argemone Poppy, Bastard Poppy, Cracking Rose, Long Pricklyhead Poppy, Long-headed Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Sand Poppy, Spiked Poppy, Wind Poppy, Wind Rose

French: Argémone, Coquelicot Argémone, Pavot Argémone, Roemeria

Temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco

Asia, West: Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey

Europe, Central: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland

Europe, Eastern: Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine

Europe, Northern: Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden

Europe, Southern: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain

Europe, Western: Belgium, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland

Medium annual that grows from 15-50cm (6-20in) in height. Its long, branching stems are coated in stiff, prickly hairs, and fern-like leaves. The leaves that grow at the base of the plant produce stems, but those leaves higher up the plant do not.

Prefers fields and disturbed soils 1-300m (0-1,000ft) above sea level.

Grazing animals seldom eat this plant.

This was often the poppy used in the "cracking rose" spell.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

Used historically in herbal medicine because of its trace amounts of narcotic alkaloids.

Persian Poppy (Papaver bracteatum)

Papaver bracteata, Small Dole, England , 2nd of June 2012.
From peganum on Flickr.

Europe, Central

Czech: Mak Velkokvětý

German: Braktmohn, Dekorativ-Mohn, Eftermohnblume

Hungarian: Torvalmuviro

Polish: Mak Okazały

Slovak: Dekoratívny Mak

Europe, Northern

Norwegian: Braktpapaver, Vårmur

Swedish: Braktvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Bratteato, Papavero Persiano

Europe, Western

English: Persian Poppy, Bracteated Poppy, Bracted Poppy, Elatior Poppy, Great Scarlet Poppy, Iranian Poppy, Persian Red Poppy, Tall Poppy

French: Coquelicot À Bractées, Grand Coquelicot, Pavot À Bractées, Pavot De Perse

Asia, Northern: Russia (North Caucasus)

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Turkey

Hardy perennial with large flowers up to 20cm (8in) in diameter with stiff stalks up to 1.22m (4 ft) high. The flowers are deep red with a black spot near the base of the petals. Closely related to Papaver orientale.

This plant grows in grassy meadows at high altitudes between 6500-8000 ft (1980-2430m).

Pirin Poppy (Papaver degenii syn. Oreomecon alpina)

Papaver degenni, 7th July, 2010.
Own work--RossenGo.

Europe, Central

Czech: Makovina Degenova

German: Degen-Mohn

Hungarian: Balkán-Mák

Polish: Mak Degena

Europe, Eastern

Bulgarian: Rodopski Mak

Croatian: Balkanski Mak

Europe, Northern

Finnish: Degenin Unikko

Swedish: Degens Vallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Di Degen

Europe, Western

English: Pirin Poppy, Alpine Poppy, Balkan Poppy, Bulgarian Alpine Poppy, Degen's Alpine Poppy, Degen's Poppy, Rhodope Poppy

French: Pavot De Degen

Europe, Central: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland

Europe, Eastern: Bulgaria, Romania

Europe, Southern: Italy, Serbia

Europe, Western: France

The Pirin poppy is a perennial herb, 5-15cm long, with tiny yellow or orange flowers ~3cm across. The flowers bloom from July to August.

It is endemic to the Pirin mountains, at altitudes of 2100-2900m. This is a rare plant, and currently considered highly vulnerable.

Tulip Poppy (Papaver glaucum)

Papaver glaucium, 8th May, 2006.
Photo by Elliot on Flickr.

Europe, Central

German: Kurdischer Mohn, Türkischer Mohn

Hungarian: Török Pipacs

Polish: Mak Modry

Europe, Northern

Swedish: Tulpanvallmo

Europe, Western

English: Tulip Poppy, Fire Tulip, Glaucous Poppy, Turkish Red Poppy, Turkish Tulip, Turkish Tulip Poppy

French: Coquelicot Glauque, Glaucium, Pavot De Turquie, Pavot Tulipe, Rose Des Vents

Asia, West: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates

This is an incredibly hardy poppy capable of withstanding all climates, including the droughts of the Zagros Mountain range. The plant grows to 90cm (35in) and produces 10cm (3.9in) diameter flowers with a rich red color, with thin, sometimes crispy petals. The inner petals stick up, resembling a tulip. Otherwise it closely resembles Papaver rhoeas and Papaver dubium.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

Confirmed to produce the alkaloids morphine, codeine, and thebaine, but not in quantities sufficient to be economical.

The name [fire] [tulip] suggests a fusion of both phenomena and plant. Consider exploring the intersection of the element and tulip within a poppy framework.

Welsh Poppy (Papaver cambricum syn. Meconopsis cambrica)

Papaver cambricum, Anglesey, North Wales, 5th June, 2004.
Presumed own work-Velela.

Europe, Central

German: Waliser Scheinmohn, Welsche Mohn

Hungarian: Bagoly Mák

Polish: Żółty Mak Walijski

Europe, Eastern

Lithuanian: Geltonasis Aguoninis, Geltonoji Aguona, Geltonžiedė Aguona

Europe, Northern

Danish: Geltser, Valesisk Valmuesøster, Valmue Gul

Finnish: Keltavaleunikko

Norwegian: Gullvalmue

Swedish: Gyllenmohn, Vallmosyster

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Giallo

Europe, Western

Dutch: Gele Schijnpapaver

English: Welsh Poppy, Basque Poppy, Cambrian Poppy, Celtic Poppy, Yellow Poppy

French: Coquelicot Du Pays De Galles, Pavot Du Pays De Galles, Pavot Jaune

Europe, Southern: Spain (Pyrenees)

Europe, Western: England, France, Ireland, Scotland

The Welsh poppy grows between 30-60cm (12-24in) tall. It produces yellow to orange flowers, and blooms between May and July. It favors damp, rocky sites in upland areas. It produces many seeds and spreads easily.

It favors shady, rocky places, but the further west you got in its range it colonizes more open ground, to the point of fields in Wales. Because it naturally colonizes gaps and crevices in rocks, it readily colonizes urban environments, growing between pavement slabs and at the edges of walls.

Originally thought the type-species for genus Meconopsis in 1814 by Louis Viguier, genetic testing has convinced botanists to place this back in genus Papaver.

Its urban habit is worth keeping in mind as a reagent, both as a symbol of hardiness and resilience, but also because of its availability.

* * * * * * *

HORN POPPY (Glaucium)

Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae

Glaucium flavum, growing on a beach in Algeria, 12th Sept, 2005.
Own work--Boualem.

Asia, West

Turkish: Mamecik

Europe, Central

Czech: Rohatý Mák, Rosopas

German: Hornmohn

Hungarian: Szarvas Mák

Polish: Mak Rogaty, Pluskawica

Europe, Eastern

Lithuanian: Geltonoji Raguolė, Geltonžiedis Raginis

Romanian: Cornul

Europe, Northern

Danish: Hornvalmue

Finnish: Keltainen Sarjaunikko, Keltaänenvuokko, Sarvalakki

Norwegian: Hornskulpe, Valmue Horn

Swedish: Hornvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Glaucio, Papavero Cornuto

Spanish: Glaucio

Europe, Western

Dutch: Hoornpapaver, Gele Hoornpapaver

English: Horn Poppy, Horned Poppy, Sea Poppy, Yellow Horn Poppy, Yellow Sea Poppy, Squatmore

French: Coquelicot Cornu, Glaucère, Glaucienne Jaune, Glaucière Jaune, Pavot Cornu, Pavot Des Sables

Europe, north Africa, southwest and central Asia; Saline habitats, including coasts and salt plains.

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Asia, Northern: Russia

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey

Europe, Central: Germany, Poland

Europe, Eastern: Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine

Europe, Northern: Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Europe, Southern: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain

Europe, Western: Belgium, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland

Annual that grows between 1-3ft (30-90cm) tall, on branched, grey stems with waxy leaves. The flower is bright yellow or orange, and blooms between June and October. Its seed capsule is upright and long.

When cut, it produces a foul-smelling, orange sap.

Subject of a number of poems.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

Roots were used in Hampshire, UK, to treat bruises under the name "squatmore." This anti-inflammatory property was also used to treat pains of the breast and GI tract. The active ingredient in this is the alkaloid glaucine, which is an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator.

Glaucine's side-effects include sedation, fatigue, and vivid hallucinations, hence the plant's use as a recreational drug.

All parts of this plant, including seeds, are toxic. If imbibed they can cause a wide range of symptoms, up to and including respiratory failure to the point of death.

Do more with novel-colors for the sap-gore of plant monsters. This plant has noxious orange sap, while many others have whitish sap. Run with this idea.
The name "squatmore" indicates a laxative property. Run with this.
Run with the hallucinatory quality of this plant as a recreational drug in fantasy settings.
Social conflict related to the introduction of a recreational drug is fertile ground for storytelling. A culture that cultivates Glaucium flavum as a local recreational drug might be blindsided by an influx of P. somniferum latex. They might even make a legal distinction between "red/orange dope" and "black dope."
Alternately, it could be used as a vehicle to bring one to the conceptual deep, to plumb mystery.
From the above, this is an obvious ingredient for a water-breathing potion. On the other hand, it could be used to curse someone to drown themselves.
The horns of this poppy suggest an affiliation with the Devil and might be explored as an anasthetic/sedative for demonic spirits (as in "the Devil's (own) opium").

Anatolian Horn Poppy (Glaucium oxylobum)

Glaucium obylobum, Mount Hermon, Israel, 23rd June, 2011.
Own work--Eitan Ferman.

Europe, Central

Czech: Mak Ostrolistý, Mamecik Anatolski

German: Anatolischer Hornmohn, Kleinasiatischer Hornmohn

Polish: Mak Anatolijski

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Cornuto Anatolico

Europe, Western

English: Anatolian Poppy, Lotus Sweetjuice, Sharp-lobed Horned Poppy

French: Pavot De L'anatolie

Asia, Central: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Asia, South: Afghanistan

Asia, West: Iran

This name may be related to the flower's glaucine content and tying it to the Lotus Eaters of the Greek Odyssey.

Black Horn Poppy (Glaucium corniculatum)

Glaucium corniculatum.
Own work--Alberto Salguero.

Asia, West

Turkish: Kırmızı Boynuzlu Gelincik

Europe, Central

Czech: Rohatý Mamecik

German: Hornklappe, Hornmohn, Roter Hornmohn

Hungarian: Szarvas Mák

Slovak: Červený Mamecik

Europe, Eastern

Romanian: Mac Cornut

Europe, Northern

Danish: Aaronsrod, Hornvalmue

Finnish: Sarjaunikko, Sarvalakki, Sarvisavikka

Norwegian: Rød Hornvalmue, Rødt Hornvalmue

Swedish: Hornvallmo, Röd Hornvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Cornuto

Spanish: Glaucio Rojo

Europe, Western

Dutch: Hoornpapaver

English: Black Horn Poppy, Red Horn Poppy

French: Coquelicot Cornu Rouge, Glaucienne Corniculée, Pavot Cornu

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Asia, Central: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan

Asia, Northern: Russia

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey

Europe, Central: Hungary

Europe, Eastern: Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine

Europe, Southern: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain

Europe, Western: France

Oceania: Australia

This is an annual flowering plant that grows up to 1ft (30cm) high. Flower is bright red, with black spots in the middle, and bloom from June to August. Leaves and stems are hairy.

Greatflower Horn Poppy (Glaucium grandiflorum)

Glaucium grandiflorum, June 1990.
Own work--Ziegler175.

Asia, West

Turkish: Büyük Çiçekli Boynuzlu Gelincik

Europe, Central

German: Grossblütiger Hornmohn

Hungarian: Nagyvirágú Szarvasmák

Polish: Mamecik Wielokwiatowy, Wielokwiatowy Mak Rogaty

Europe, Eastern

Croatian: Veliki Turčinak

Europe, Northern

Danish: Storblomstret Hornvalmue

Swedish: Storblomstret Hornvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Cornuto A Fiore Grande

Spanish: Glaucio De Flores Grandes

Europe, Western

English: Greatflower Horn Poppy, Largeflower Horn Poppy

French: Glaucienne À Grandes Fleurs

Africa, Northern: Egypt

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey

Europe, Southern: Greece

Biome: Disturbed soil and shrub-steppes

Grows 6-40cm (2.4-15.7in) and can have multiple main stems. The stems are branched and covered in dense hair. The flower is a bright orange.

Yellow Horn Poppy (Glaucium flavum)

Glaucium flavum, Botanical Gardens UMCS, Lublin, Poland, 16th June, 2015.
Own work--Salicyna.

Europe, Central

Czech: Havlik, Mamecik Žlutý

German: Gelber Hornmohn

Hungarian: Sárga Szarvasmák, Tengeri Szarvasmák

Polish: Mak Nadmorski, Żółty Mak

Europe, Eastern

Lithuanian: Geltonžiedis Raginis

Romanian: Cornul Maritim

Europe, Northern

Danish: Gul Hornvalmue

Finnish: Keltainen Sarjaunikko, Keltainen Sarvisavikka

Norwegian: Gult Hornvalmue, Strandsvalmuë

Swedish: Gul Hornvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Cornuto, Papavero Cornuto Giallo, Papavero Delle Spiagge

Spanish: Glaucio Amarillo

Europe, Western

Dutch: Gele Hoornpapaver

English: Yellow Horn Poppy, Sea Poppy, Squatmore, Yellow Sea Poppy

French: Glaucienne Jaune, Glaucière Jaune, Pavot Cornu, Pavot Des Sables

Africa, Northern: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Asia, Northern: Russia

Asia, West: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey

Europe, Central: Germany, Poland

Europe, Eastern: Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine

Europe, Northern: Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Europe, Southern: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain

Europe, Western: Belgium, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland

When cut, it produces a foul-smelling, orange sap.

Subject of a number of poems.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

Glaucine's side-effects include sedation, fatigue, and vivid hallucinations, hence the plant's use as a recreational drug.

All parts of this plant, including seeds, are toxic. If imbibed they can cause a wide range of symptoms, up to and including respiratory failure to the point of death.

Do more with novel-colors for the sap-gore of plant monsters. This plant has noxious orange sap, while many others have whitish sap. Run with this idea.
The name "squatmore" indicates a laxative property. Run with this.
Run with the hallucinatory quality of this plant as a recreational drug in fantasy settings.
Social conflict related to the introduction of a recreational drug is fertile ground for storytelling. A culture that cultivates Glaucium flavum as a local recreational drug might be blindsided by an influx of P. somniferum latex. They might even make a legal distinction between "red/orange dope" and "black dope."
Alternately, it could be used as a vehicle to bring one to the conceptual deep, to plumb mystery.
From the above, this is an obvious ingredient for a water-breathing potion. On the other hand, it could be used to curse someone to drown themselves.
The horns of this poppy suggest an affiliation with the Devil and might be explored as an anasthetic/sedative for demonic spirits (as in "the Devil's (own) opium").

* * * * * * *

WELSH POPPY (Meconopsis)

Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae

Unidentified Meconopsis, Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, Pennsylvania, 20th May, 2007.
Own work--Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man).

Asia, East

Chinese: Xizan Lümian

Asia, South

Dzongkha: Ugyenpema

Tibetan: Upel Ngonpo, Upel Serpo

Europe, Central

Czech: Himalájský Mák, Mekon

German: Blaue Mohn, Blaumohn, Mohnling, Nepalmohn, Scheinmohn, Tibetmohn

Hungarian: Himalájai Mák

Polish: Meconopsis, Mekon

Europe, Northern

Danish: Blå Valmue, Tibetansk Valmue

Finnish: Himálajamakki, Keltainen Vuorikko, Sininen Vuorikko, Valmukko

Norwegian: Blå Valmue, Tibetansk Valmue, Valmue Blå

Swedish: Blåvallmo, Tibetansk Vallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Meconopsis, Papavero Azzurro

Europe, Western

English: Welsh Poppy, Asian Poppy, Bhutanese Poppy, Blue Poppy, Himalayan Blue Poppy, Himalayan Poppy, Nepal Poppy, Tibetan Poppy

French: Coquelicot Du Tibet, Meconopside, Pavot Bleu, Pavot De L'himalaya

Himalayas

This genus of flowering plants was originally identified as a distinct from Papaver by French botanist Viguier in 1814, who used the Welsh poppy as the type species for Meconopsis ("poppy-like"). Later testing has revealed that the Himalayan species were not closely related to the type species, which has been restored to genus Papaver. This has resulted in the "Welsh Poppy" genus referring only to Himalayan flowers. The taxonomy of this genus is still in flux and may be merged with Papaver in the future.

This genus of flowers is typically blue. The species readily hybridize and produce viable seed, raising questions over how meaningful present species distinctions are. This may be one large species with high morphological diversity.

This genus us monocarpic, meaning the plant only flowers once before dying, and each flower produces only one seed. This has made the plants notoriously difficult to cultivate.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

This genus does not produce opium.

Most importantly doesn't produce opium.
These poppies are barely useful for their names and have a very narrow range. They are, at best, useful as an inspiration for visual motif in a relevant Himalayan-based setting. Value is low.

Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis grandis)

Meconopsis grandis, 24th May, 2009.
Photo by Andrew Curtis on geograph.or.uk.

Asia, South

Hindi: Himālayī Khaskhas

Tibetan: Ngon-sngon-me-tog, Thingkar Metok, Uchen Metok, Upel Ngonpo

Europe, Central

Czech: Velký Mekon

German: Großer Scheinmohn

Polish: Mekonopsis Wielki

Europe, Northern

Danish: Stort Himalayavalmue

Finnish: Sateenvarjoruusu

Norwegian: Tibet-Blåvalmue

Swedish: Stor Bergvallmo

Europe, Western

English: Himalayan Blue Poppy, Bristol Blue Poppy, Large Blue Poppy, Poppy of the Himalayas

French: Meconopsis Géante, Pavot Bleu De L'himalay

Asia, South: Nepal

Hardy herbaceous perennial that grows up to 1m (3.3ft) tall and broad. Produces large, showy blue flowers with a prominent yellow center-boss. Blooms in late spring.

Valued as an ornamental, but difficult to grow in gardens. Requires shade, slightly acidic soil, which remains reliably moist.

Most valuable for size and appearance.

Nepalese Autumn Poppy (Meconopsis autumnalis)

Meconopsis autumnalis, Ganesh Himal, Nepal, 2008.
Own work--Ethnobotany08.

Europe, Central

Czech: Podzimní Mekon

German: Herbst-Scheinmohn, Herbstmohn

Polish: Jesienny Mekonopsis

Europe, Northern

Finnish: Syysmakki

Europe, Western

English: Nepalese Autumn Poppy, Autumn Poppy

French: Pavot D'automne

Asia, South: Nepal (Ganesh Himal mountains)

Grows in sub-alpine habitats along stream margins, grassy alpine slopes, or at the edges of fir forests. Typically found in elevations of 3,300-4,200m in stony, humus-rich soil. Marked by late flowering period from July to September.

Commonly associated with [Rumex], [Arisaema], [Stellaria], [Nepeta], [Persicaria], [Aster], [Swertia], and dwarf shrubs like Berberis, [Rhododendron], and Juniperus.

The information on associated plants provides a good basis for a cast of characters and their visual identities.

Pretty Blue Poppy (Meconopsis bella)

Meconopsis bella.
Photo by Martin Walsh.

Asia, South

Tibetan: Upel Nyima

Asia, Southeast

Vietnamese: Thiên Thảo Đẹp

Europe, Central

German: Kleiner Scheinmohn, Schöner Scheinmohn

Polish: Piękny Mekonopsis

Slovak: Prekrásny Mekon

Europe, Northern

Danish: Bella Valmue

Finnish: Kaunis Vuorikko

Norwegian: Vakker Valmue

Swedish: Bella Vallmo

Europe, Western

English: Pretty Blue Poppy, Beautiful Blue Poppy, Dwarf Himalayan Blue Poppy, Himalayan Belle, Himalayan Belle Poppy, Lovely Meconopsis

French: Belle Bleue, Belle Meconopsis

Asia, Central: Tibet

Asia, South: Nepal

Herbaceous perennial flowering plant found at altitudes between 3,500-5,000m, growing in rock crevices and grass cliff edges. It lives for over 2 years. In autumn and winter it dies down to a resting bud and emerges again in spring and summer. Grows from a root-stalk rather than a seed.

Known for their thick taproots, tufted leaves, naked stalks and nodding flowers. Flowers can be pale blue, purple, or pink, with either hairless or bristly stalks.

Work with their dangerous margin for growth on the edge of grass cliffs.

Prickly Blue Poppy (Meconopsis horridula)

Meconopsis horridula, 16th Jan, 2009.
Photo by Ghislain118, from fleurs-des-montagnes.net.

Asia, South

Tibetan: Gser-po-me-tog, Tsher-ngon

Europe, Central

Czech: Mekon Ježatý

German: Borstig Scheinmohn, Stachelig Scheinmohn

Polish: Mekonopsis Kolczasty

Europe, Western

English: Prickly Blue Poppy, Azure Poppy, Blue Bristly Poppy, Blue Thistle Poppy, Bristly Blue Poppy, Himalayan Prickly Poppy, Horrid Blue Poppy, Horridulous Poppy, Prickly Poppy

French: Coquelicot Hérissé, Meconopsis Hérissée

Asia, Central: Tibet

Asia, East: China (Qinghai)

Asia, South: Nepal

Asia, Southeast: Myanmar

This is a high altitude poppy found between 3,100-6,000m that grows between 20cm and 1m. Flowers appear singly or in a raceme, with a nodding habit. Occasionally the flowers emerge from the lower half of the stem.

These plants grow near the upper limit for vegetation in the Himalayas, require lots of moisture, and require zero protection from the cold, tolerating temperatures down to -10F (-23.3C).

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

This is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (painkiller). This use has endangered the species. While this plant produces many seeds, the germination rate is low both in the field and in cultivation settings.

The medicinal use of this particular plant saves the entire genus entry in these notes, marking this plant as distinctly useful. Now the visuals can be tied to more abstract qualities. A character named for this blue poppy might have some built in character based on the medicinal properties.
The prickly quality also works well for character design. One must deal with the horrid barbs to get to the soothing medicinal qualities.

Satin Poppy (Meconopsis napaulensis)

Meconopsis napaulensis.

Asia, South

Nepali: Upala Khaskhas

Tibetan: Tsen-dong Memtok, Upel Marpo

Europe, Central

German: Nepal-Scheinmohn

Hungarian: Népal Törkeny Mák

Europe, Northern

Danish: Nepalesisk Valmue

Finnish: Sateenvarjomakki

Swedish: Nepalesisk Bergvallmo

Europe, Southern

Italian: Papavero Del Nepal

Europe, Western

English: Satin Poppy, Himalayan Red Poppy, Nepal Blue Poppy, Nepal Poppy, Nepalese Poppy, Red Poppy of Nepal

French: Pavot Du Népal

Asia, South: Nepal

A yellow poppy. This species was recently reclassified to include only the yellow-flowered plant, so a number of poppies ranging from red, purple, and white are still circulating in markets and gardens under a misapplied label.

We are not a medical website, do not take health advice from us.

This mountain poppy contains beta-carbolines, which in high doses produce psychedelic effects. This dimension of the plant's phytochemistry is understudied.