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This elegant annual forms an attractive seedhead after blooming and is ideal for the middle of the border in the spring garden. It self-sows reliably, but does not transplant well.

Latin Name

Papaver somniferum


Family

Papaveraceae


Also Known As

Lettuce-leaf Poppy


Type of Plant

Annuals Annuals

Bloom Season

May - June

Seasons

Spring Spring

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 3'
Max spread Max Spread: 2'

Uses

  • Annual
  • Flower Border

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern Mediterranean


    History

    Historically, this plant has been used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Brother August Schubert of Bethabara was growing breadseed poppies in 1761.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

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    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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