Papaver rhoeas - Poppy, Common 2g

Common Poppy: M, P, *, Jun-Aug

NATIVE ANNUAL WILDFLOWER growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). Found on a wide range of soils, but appears maily on dry, calareous soil and will not flower in lusher grassland, needing clean bare ground to persist and self-sow. Hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from June to August. The flowers bear large amounts of pollen – extremely attractive to bees which seek them out . The seeds, used as culinary flavouring in breads and cakes, also have a long history of medicinal use, especially for the elderly and children, as mild pain relief, and for irritable coughs and to reduce nervous over-activity. Unlike the related opium poppy P. somniferum, it is non-addictive. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, self. It is noted for attracting wildlife. SEEDS 2g/£1.55. (Best sown in a clean seed-bed in autumn as it needs a period of chilling to break dormancy).