Are Corn Poppies and Opium Poppies the Same Plant? A Breakdown of Their Differences

Corn poppy and opium poppy are not the same plant. These two plants are often hard to tell apart because of their similar appearance, and many people easily confuse them at first sight. However, although they look alike, a closer look still reveals clear differences between them. Today, we will explain this to all you flower lovers.

Here is a detailed point-by-point summary:

Names and Scientific Names

Corn poppy: scientific name Papaver rhoeas L., commonly known as Lichunhua, Saimudan, Manyuanchun, Xiannvhao, Yumeirencao, Wucao, and so on.

Opium poppy: scientific name Papaver somniferum L., also known as opium flower, Dayanhua, Mikehua, Yingzisu, Yumi, Xianggu, Minang, Nangzi, Afurong, and so on.

Leaves and Stems

The entire leaves and stems of the corn poppy are covered with fine hairs, which give it a softer appearance and add a unique texture. The leaves and stems of the opium poppy, by contrast, are overall smooth and hairless, looking more sleek and delicate.

Morphological Characteristics

The corn poppy plant is relatively slender, usually  30 - 90  cm tall. Its stems are upright and branched. The leaves are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, and rather thin. The flowers of the corn poppy are borne singly at the top of the stem and branches, with petals that are mostly thin and soft, in rich colors including red, pink, white and more, and often with spots or markings.

By comparison, the opium poppy plant is more robust, usually about 30 - 150 cm tall. The stems are upright and unbranched. The leaves are larger, with irregular wavy serrated edges. The flowers of the opium poppy are larger, with a diameter that can reach more than 10 cm; the petals are thick and smooth, mostly in a single color of red, pink or white, usually without spots or markings.

Flowers and Fruits

The capsule of the corn poppy is smaller, roughly truncated-spherical, with tiny and numerous seeds. The capsule of the opium poppy is larger, spherical or oval, and contains more seeds.

Nature

The corn poppy is a common ornamental flower, widely used in garden landscapes and flowerbed arrangements. The opium poppy, however, is an important raw material for producing drugs and is strictly controlled by law in most countries.

Overall, although the corn poppy and the opium poppy are similar in appearance, as long as we observe carefully, we can still find the clear differences between them. By observing their "leg hairs", flowers, leaves and growth habits, we can easily tell them apart.