What is the difference between corn poppy and opium poppy?

Corn poppy and opium poppy both belong to the Papaveraceae family. Although corn poppy and opium poppy look very similar in appearance, the difference between corn poppy and opium poppy may not be difficult for experienced gardeners, but it is really difficult for beginner gardeners. In fact, there is a little trick that can effectively distinguish corn poppy from opium poppy. Let's take a look below at the difference between corn poppy and opium poppy!

Different names

Corn poppy and opium poppy belong to the same family, but they are different. Corn poppy is also known as Lichunhua, Saimudan, Manyuanchun, Xiannvhao, Yumeirencao, Wucao, etc., while opium poppy is also known as Yapian, Dayan, Mikesuhua, Yingzisu, Yumi, Xianggu, Minang, Nangzi, Afurong, etc.

Different plants

The whole corn poppy plant is covered with obvious fine hairs, has milky sap, and its stems are slender with many fine branches. The whole opium poppy plant is covered with white powder, and its stems are thick and sturdy with few branches.

Different leaves

Corn poppy leaves are divided and the entire leaf surface is narrow in shape. Opium poppy leaves are irregularly serrated in shape and do not divide.

Different flowers

Corn poppy petals are mostly thin and 4 in number, two large and two small. The flower colors include deep red, purple red, carmine, pink, white, etc., sometimes bicolor. The flowers are small, with a flower diameter of 5-6 cm. Opium poppy petals are thicker and mostly semi-double or double. The flower color is mostly red, the flowers are larger, and the flower diameter is about 10 cm.

Different fruits

The capsule of corn poppy is truncate-spherical, and the seeds are kidney-shaped. The capsule of opium poppy is spherical or oval, and the seeds are small and numerous. The fruit contains morphine and other alkaloids.