Forest poppy is a low woodland wildflower in the poppy family that grows in patches on shady forest floors in Korea, China, and the Russian Far East, blooming with bright yellow, four-petaled flowers in spring. It does not grow wild in the United States.
Appearance
- Growth form
- A perennial about 8–16 in (20–40 cm) tall that spreads by underground stems (rhizomes), forming patches.
- Leaves
- Each leaf is divided feather-style into soft green leaflets, usually five, sometimes three or seven.
- Flowers
- Bright yellow, 1.4–2 in (3.5–5 cm) across, with four petals. They start out cup-shaped and open flatter as they age.
- Fruit
- A slender pod holding several seeds.
Where it lives
- Typical habitats
- Moist woodland
- Shady forest floor
- Range
- Native to Korea, China, and the Russian Far East. It does not grow wild in North America.
- Preferred conditions
- Prefers moist, shaded woods with a deep layer of rotting leaves and humus.
Cautions
- Cautions
- In Korea it is sometimes eaten as a spring green, but some sources say it is too toxic to eat. Cut stems ooze an orange-red sap.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
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