Family: Papaveraceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Papaver rhoeas (common poppy or corn poppy) is an annual flowering plant native to Macaronesia, Europe, the Mediterranean region, and parts of western Asia including the western Himalaya. It is widely recognized for its striking, delicate red flowers with dark centers that bloom in spring and early summer. The plant typically grows in open, disturbed soils such as agricultural fields, roadsides, and grasslands. The common poppy has long been valued as an ornamental wildflower and is also culturally significant in many regions as a symbol of remembrance. It has occasionally been used in wildflower mixes to create naturalized meadow-style plantings.

Risks & Threats
Although Papaver rhoeas is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, and which could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. It produces large quantities of seed that can persist in soil seed banks and readily germinate in disturbed environments, allowing it to spread quickly under suitable conditions. In agricultural or open habitats, it can behave as a competitive weed, potentially displacing native vegetation and altering habitat structure. Given these characteristics, careful consideration is warranted before introduction. To help protect Hawaii’s unique ecosystems, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative when such options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Widely naturalized
  
• An agricultural weed
  
• Related Papaver species have become invasive
  
• Unpalatable
  
• Toxic to cattle and other animals if consumed in large quantities
  
• Potentially toxic to people
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Can form dense monocultures
  
• Annual plant that reaches maturity in 1 growing season
  
• Prolific seeder
  
• Seeds dispersed by animals, people, as a contaminant
  
• Produces a persistent seed bank

Low Risk Traits:

• Grows in temperate climates
  
• Requires full sun
  
• Ornamental and culinary uses
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Does not spread vegetatively
  
• Certain herbicides may provide effective control