Is the corn poppy (Papavers rhoeas) toxic? Detailed explanation of the differences from the opium poppy and whether growing it is illegal

Influenced by our country's traditional culture, the term “corn poppy” always gives people too much reverie, and since this flower belongs to the Papaveraceae family, everyone naturally associates it with the opium poppy. So is the corn poppy toxic? What is the difference from the opium poppy? Is it illegal to grow corn poppies?

I. Is the corn poppy a drug? Is it toxic?

1. The corn poppy is not a drug

The corn poppy of today is not a native flower species of our country, but an imported product from Europe. The "corn poppy" of ancient China actually referred to the “dancing grass” (Codariocalyx motorius).

The corn poppy merely belongs to the Papaveraceae family, but unlike the opium poppy, it cannot be used to extract drugs.

2. The entire corn poppy plant is toxic

However, the corn poppy is a toxic plant, and the entire plant is toxic! Its toxicity is relatively strong.

The reason the corn poppy is toxic is that it contains a large amount of “alkaloids” in its body. Like oleander, mimosa, narcissus, calla lily, lantana, datura, night-blooming jasmine, tulip, red spider lily, delphinium and other flowering plants, it can cause nervous system poisoning, producing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, paralysis, coma and shock.

II. What is the difference between the corn poppy and the opium poppy?

Although the corn poppy and the opium poppy look somewhat similar, careful observation will reveal that there are still quite large differences between them.

1. The corn poppy has thin stems with many fine hairs, while the opium poppy has thick, smooth-surfaced stems with a layer of “white powder”.

2. The fruit of the corn poppy is smaller, only about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit of the opium poppy is much larger, about 4-7 cm in diameter.

3. The flowers of the corn poppy are oval-shaped and mostly single-petaled, mostly red, while the flowers of the opium poppy are close to round, some with double petals, and come in more colors, including white, yellow, pink and bicolor.

III. Is it illegal to grow corn poppies?

1. Growing corn poppies is not illegal

Since the corn poppy is not a drug, growing corn poppies naturally does not violate the law. However, when growing corn poppies, you must make sure that what you are growing really is the corn poppy, and not that you have mistaken the opium poppy for the corn poppy and planted it, as that is illegal. Not only will law enforcement personnel directly uproot it, but you will also have to accept a fine, and if the quantity is relatively large, you may also face criminal punishment.

2. Notes on growing corn poppies

Many parks and homes now grow corn poppies. The specific growing notes are as follows:

(1) Do not water too much: the corn poppy is relatively tolerant of dryness and drought, but not of waterlogging. As long as the soil feels moist, that is enough. Too much watering easily causes the plant to die.

(2) Sufficient light must be provided: generally no less than 4 hours per day. Of course, in extremely hot weather, still be careful not to expose it to too much sun. Insufficient light makes the flower color less good and the plant relatively short.

(3) The temperature must not be too high or too low: keeping it at 10-20°C is most suitable.

(4) There is no need to fertilize too much: fertilizing once before flowering is enough.