Poppies

Two poppies, Celendine Poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum is an Ohio native wild flower. Its yellow flowers are about 2 inches wide. I found this one in Hueston Woods near Cincinnati two weeks ago. The orange poppy, Papaver sp. has been in my garden for decades, probably planted there by my late mother-in-law. The flowers are about 5 inches wide with multiple petals likely formed as the result of hybridization or increased ploidy level (extra sets of genes). This technique can produce spectacular results but sometimes sacrifices features like nectaries or fragrance and may make them of little value to insects. They bloom for just a few days. Nevertheless, these are keepers, survivors that quickly fade into the background while beebalm surrounds them to create a great summer show that is compatible with insects and other wildlife.