Field ManualAll plants

Oriental poppy

Papaver orientale L.

Family: Papaveraceae

Perennial
Drought Tolerant
Pollinator Plant

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems

Preparation

Not a food plant; no preparation guidance is given.

Hazard type

poisonous plant, severity Low per NC State; all parts including the juice; toxic principle unknown

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Poison severity

NC State Plant Toolbox, Poison Severity: Low; Poison Toxic Principle: unknown.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No ASPCA page assesses Papaver orientale, so the pet verdict is 'not listed' (not assessed, not safe). NC State's poison section says toxicity (usually low) to animals has occurred from Papaver plants, that it is suggested this plant has toxicity too, and that all parts are poisonous including the juice.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a-7b (NC State)
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun); NC State also lists dappled sunlight
Water needs: low
Mature size: Height 2-3 ft, width 6 in to 2 ft (NC State).
Where it comes from: Central Asia (NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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