Papaver somniferum, also called as Opium Poppy, has a history of cultivation in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Opium Poppy has also been called by other names, for example the Sacred Anchor Of Life, the Hand Of God, Milk Of Paradise, and Destroyer Of Grief. In the 8th century the plant was widely cultivated and consumed in India and China, and all over mid-Asia.

Opium poppy flower are beautiful and used to grace gardens world-wide. They are often used in dried flower arrangements. Poppy seeds are used in cooking for example bagels, bialys, muffins and cakes.

As the name says, Opium Poppy pods contain opium. The opium is lacerating the immature opium poppy seed pods. Opium contains up to twelve percent of morphine which can be refined for example to create very addicting drug heroin.

In the United States opium poppy is listed as a schedule Schedule 2 controlled substance.