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Macleaya - (Willd.)R.Br.

Common Name Plume Poppy
Family Papaveraceae
USDA hardiness 4-10
Known Hazards The sap is very poisonous[178].
Habitats Grassy places, open meadows and the grassy floors of Cryptomeria plantations[187].
Range E. Asia - E. China, Japan.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Macleaya Plume Poppy


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Macleaya Plume Poppy

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer. Form: Upright or erect.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Macleaya is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Bocconia cordata. B. yedoensis.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The whole plant is analgesic, antioedemic, carminative, depurative and diuretic[218]. The juice from the stems of the leaves is used to treat insect bites[4]. A decoction of the leaves and stems is used in the treatment of ringworm[218]. The poisonous sap is used to counter poisonous sores[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The dried hollow stems can be used as whistles[178]. Kills insects and mosquito larvae[147]. The flowers are used to kill maggots whilst the whole plant is used to kill larvae and insects[218].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Massing, Specimen. Requires a well-drained deep soil[1] preferring a sunny sheltered position but tolerating light shade[200]. Easily grown in sun or partial shade[187]. Hardy to about -15°c[187]. A very ornamental plant, it can be grown as an isolated specimen in a lawn[1]. An excellent plant for sub-tropical bedding[1]. Plants have spreading underground rhizomes[187] and can be invasive[200]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Invasive, Naturalizing.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown in the early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in the dormant season[200]. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Cuttings from the axils of larger leaves in early summer[200]. Root cuttings in the winter[188].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Macleaya cordataPlume PoppyPerennial2.0 4-10 FLMHSNM011

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

(Willd.)R.Br.

Botanical References

58200

Links / References

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