Papaver rhoeas

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Every spring, the bright red flowers of Papaver rhoeas,

or “The common poppy” as it is widely known,

bring color to fields, roadsides, and open ground across much of Europe.

It is one of the continent's most widespread wildflowers.

In Greece,

its vivid flowers are a familiar sight especially at low elevations.

Although the common poppy still thrives in many places,

it has become less abundant in cultivated fields

because it is often treated as a weed

and controlled with herbicides.

Even so,

its brilliant flowers continue to be

one of the most memorable signs of spring and early summer.

 

 

 

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This annual plant grows up to 60 cm tall,

blooms from March to June

and produces a vibrant poppy flower of 50–60 mm across.

 

 

 

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Despite its predominant red color,

the poppy bloom may appear in various shades of red.

 

 

 

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Each bloom has four silky red petals

which often have a black patch at the base.

 

 

 

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 The black patch is sometimes edged with white. 

 

 

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After flowering,

the blossom develops a spherical seed capsule

with eight to thirteen stigmatic rays.