Papaver nudicaule
Common: Iceland poppy
Family: Papaveraceae
Sunset zones All Zones
Origin: Native to Arctic North America but performs well in arid West
Light: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: Grows well in well-prepared and well-draining soil
Water: Moderate to high depending on temperature and soil type. Can get by on little water.
Provides gay color for spring and summer borders and cutting.
Slender hairy stems, 1-1/2 to 3 feet high. Spreads to 1-2 feet wide.
Perennial; grown as annual in warm winter areas.
Blooms spring into summer. Flowering period is extended depending on elevation and extent of heat. Tall, slender stems; leaves are sparse and pale, divided with coarse hairs.
Cup-shaped flowers to 3 inches across. Yellow, orange, salmon, rose, pink, cream or white. To prolong blooms, pick flowers frequently.
All parts of this plant are poisonous! Sear cut stem ends of cut flowers in flame before placing flowers in water for longer lasting bouquets.