Scientific Name
Papaver somniferum
Common Name
Opium poppy, common poppy

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Papaveraceae
Plant Description
Erect annual with milky juice; leaves alternate, simple, clasping, toothed; flowers terminal, with 5-more showy petals (white, pink, red, or purple); fruit a capsule with an expanded disc at the top and over small holes through which the minute seeds are dispersed.
Origin
Europe.
Distribution
Illegally planted, sometimes persisting in old gardens.
Where Found
In landscape occasionally in flower garden, it is illegal to cultivate opium poppy. The garden poppies are a different species and may or may not contain opium alkaloids.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Dried milky sap from all parts, but mainly fruits.
Symptoms
Stupor, coma, shallow and slow breathing, respiratory and circulatory depression.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Poppy seeds used as topping of breads are safe.
Toxic Principle
Alkaloids, morphine and others.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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