Papaver dubium, commonly known as the long-headed poppy or blindeyes, is a widespread annual wildflower. This species is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, and has been introduced to North America and other regions. It typically grows in disturbed areas, appearing along roadsides, in fields, and on waste ground.
Recognizing Papaver Dubium
Papaver dubium typically grows to a height of about 30 to 60 centimeters, though it can reach up to 90 centimeters. Its stems are usually covered with coarse hairs that lie flat or are pressed closely against the surface. The leaves are basal, forming a rosette, and also grow alternately along the stem; they are deeply lobed and often have a grayish-green hue.
The showy flowers are generally 3 to 7 centimeters across and feature four petals. These petals are typically a pale red or orange-red, often without a distinct black spot at their base. After flowering, the plant develops distinct seed pods, which are hairless and narrowly obovoid, meaning they are elongated and typically two to three times longer than they are wide. These capsules often have distinct ribs and taper slightly at the tip, with a stigmatic disc that is usually narrower than the capsule itself and has five to nine rays. When the plant tissue is broken, it may exude a white to yellowish sap.
Distinguishing From Other Poppies
Papaver rhoeas, or the common poppy, often has flowers that are a more saturated red and frequently possess a dark spot at the base of their petals. A primary difference lies in the stem hairs: Papaver rhoeas typically has hairs that stick out at right angles from the stem, whereas Papaver dubium has hairs that are appressed, or pressed flat against the stem. The seed capsule of Papaver rhoeas is also generally shorter and more rounded, being about as long as it is wide, with more numerous stigma rays (8-15) compared to Papaver dubium’s elongated capsule and fewer rays.
Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, differs from Papaver dubium. Papaver somniferum typically has smooth stems and leaves that clasp the stem, which is not characteristic of Papaver dubium. The seed capsules of Papaver somniferum are also much larger, typically ranging from 25 to 60 millimeters long, in contrast to Papaver dubium’s shorter capsules, which are usually less than 23 millimeters long. Papaver dubium does not produce opium, unlike Papaver somniferum.
Ecological Significance and Uses
Papaver dubium serves as a food source for various pollinators. Bees, beetles, and flies visit its showy orange flowers. The plant can form a long-lived seed bank in the soil, allowing seeds to remain viable for extended periods and germinate when the soil is disturbed. This characteristic contributes to its common presence in fields, roadsides, and other areas where the ground is regularly disrupted.
While Papaver dubium is generally considered a common wildflower, it is not widely cultivated for ornamental purposes compared to other poppy species. The plant contains various alkaloids, including thebaine, and has seen some historical use in traditional medicine for properties such as pain relief and cough suppression. However, its toxicity to mammals is considered low, and its seeds are not toxic.