The Difference Between Oriental Poppies & Opium Poppies

Worldwide, there are over 50 species of poppies (Papaver spp.), all producing showy, ornamental flowers worthy of a garden. Two species of poppies are of note in the United States: Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale) and the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Oriental poppies are among the most widely grown flowering perennials but opium poppies are illegal to grow unless you have a permit ensuring their cultivation is not for production of narcotics.

The name Oriental poppy is misleading as this species is native to southwestern Asia, not the Far East. Allan Armitage, notable American perennial expert from the University of Georgia, states that modern Oriental poppy varieties are likely the result of hybridization with the Iranian poppy over the years. According to Armitage, the opium poppy was cultivated for centuries before the days of Christ. It's been so widely grown that its precise origin is obscure, but botanists believe western Asia and southeastern Europe comprised the native habitat range.

Both growing over 18 inches tall, the two poppies look much different when viewed intimately. Oriental poppy leaves are brighter green with deeply cut lobes that almost look feathery. The leaves do not clasp the plant stem. By contrast, leaves of opium poppy are irregularly teethed and gray-green and have a broad leaf base that clasps the stem. Opium poppies tend to flower in late spring, while Oriental poppies bloom a bit later in early summer.

Oriental poppies are herbaceous perennial plants that go seasonally dormant by mid- to late summer. They are best grown in regions with definitely cold winters, as in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7. Opium poppies grow as annuals, completing their entire life cycle within one calendar year. In USDA Zones 6 and 7, the plant self-sows and naturalizes as short-lived, wildflowers according to Armitage. Rarely will an opium poppy plant overwinter in mild winter regions to bloom again next spring. Opium poppy flowers drop their petals faster after blooming than those of Oriental poppy.

Oriental poppies may be grown as ornamental garden flowers for spring displays but opium poppies are illegal to possess on your property within the United States. The concern with the latter is that the dried milky latex from the flowers will be used to make heroin. Opium poppy seeds are safe to use in baking or for seasoning.