Horned Poppy, Yellow hornpoppy
Glaucium flavum

Family: Papaveraceae

What it is like

Glaucium flavum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Shingle banks by the coast.

Usually near the coast in W. Europe, including Britain, to the Mediterranean and W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

A clear yellow edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 1

Poultice.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating: 2

An oil obtained from the seed is used for as a fuel for lighting, it burns cleanly. It is also used in soap making.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Easily grown in any good well-drained soil. Requires a very well-drained poor soil. Prefers a hot dry position and dislikes shade. A very ornamental but short-lived perennial, it is hardy to about -10°c. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be placed in their final positions as soon as possible. Flowers are produced in the first year from seed.

Propagating it: The seed can be sown in the middle of spring or in autumn in a cold frame. A period of cold stratification improves germination. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed it should be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in situ in mid spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Root is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

G. luteum.