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Corn Poppy

Papaver rhoeas

In the Carolinas and Georgia, found in disturbed areas. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

—
Not native

Not native to Arkansas. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
9 inches–1.5 feet
Spread
6 inches–1 foot
Light
Full sun
Soil moisture
Dry to wet

At a glance

Life cycle
Annual
Bloom
May to October

Not yet recorded · Leaves

Recorded in 3 Arkansas counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

3CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including AR

Genus host records with ranges including AR · Papaver

  • Helicoverpa zeaCorn Earworm Moth
  • Mythimna unipunctaArmyworm Moth, White Speck
  • Platynota nigrocervina
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
3BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Recorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim · Papaver

  • Calcarius lapponicusLapland Longspur
  • Lagopus mutaRock Ptarmigan
  • Melozone crissalisCalifornia Towhee
Hurlbert, Olsen, Sawyer & Winner 2021, Avian Diet Database, Scientific Data 8: 260 (CC0)

Direct food only: birds recorded eating this genus across North America. Caterpillars on host plants also feed nesting birds. NC Native Plant Society: butterfly gardening

Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Papaveraceae
Hardiness
Zones 3a–10b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Purple, red or white

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Common Poppy; Field Poppy; Red Poppy

Conservation status

Arkansas rankSNA
Global rankGNR
AR statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Native alternatives

Find natives for your garden

Sources