Flower Properties

Flower Details

Description

An iconic wildflower with vivid red petals and a dark centre, often seen in cornfields and roadside verges. It has strong cultural associations, especially with remembrance in the UK.

Distribution

Native to Europe and Asia, widespread across the UK in disturbed soils such as arable land, verges, and waste ground.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Traditionally used as a mild sedative and for coughs. Its petals have been used to make soothing teas and syrups.

Edibility  

Petals are edible in small amounts, sometimes used for decoration in salads. Seeds are non-toxic and used in baking (similar to breadseed poppy).

Human Toxicity

Non_Toxic

Contains mild alkaloids with sedative properties — excessive ingestion may cause drowsiness or nausea.

Pet Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets — can cause sedation and digestive upset if consumed in quantity.

Active Compounds

Alkaloids (e.g., rhoeadine), flavonoids, anthocyanins.