Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) is easily identified by the combination of its showy white to pink flowers, waxy blue foliage and leaves that are only shallowly lobed.

It is a largish introduced species that is widely cultivated in areas of relatively fertile soil (mostly on basalt). It has commonly become established in these areas, but is also in urban areas.

It is the source of opium and its derivatives (morphine, heroine, codeine etc).