Papaver dubium L.
Blindeyes
The long-headed poppy is an annual cornfield poppy and, like several of our arable poppies, an archaeophyte — an ancient introduction rather than a true native. It is most readily told from the common poppy by its more elongated, smooth (hairless) seed capsule and by flowers that are a paler, often more orange-tinged red, usually without the dark blotch at the petal base.
About
The long-headed poppy is an annual cornfield poppy and, like several of our arable poppies, an archaeophyte — an ancient introduction rather than a true native. It is most readily told from the common poppy by its more elongated, smooth (hairless) seed capsule and by flowers that are a paler, often more orange-tinged red, usually without the dark blotch at the petal base. Plants grow up to around 60 cm on wiry, bristly stems.
It is principally a plant of arable land but turns up on disturbed ground, road verges, tips, gardens and allotments, generally preferring lighter, sandy, lime-free soils. It is widespread across Britain and tends to be commoner than the common poppy further north. Flowering in early to midsummer, the blooms are visited by pollen-gathering bees and hoverflies, and it is a reliable component of cornfield annual mixes for free-draining, sunny sites.
Also known as
Long Headed Poppy · Long Smooth-headed Poppy · Long-headed Poppy · blind eyes · doubtful poppy · long smooth-fruited poppy
Synonyms
Papaver lacerum litvinovii · Papaver litvinovii · Papaver nothum · Papaver rhoeas dubium
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.