2011-05-05 13:03
Scientific Name:
Meconopsis cambrica
The yellow Welsh Poppy is a perennial plant of damp, shady, hilly or rocky places, and is also found on walls and roadsides. It flowers from June to August and attracts pollinating bees and insects. It is an ideal plant to brighten up a shady corner in a garden.
How to identify:
The Welsh Poppy has four, overlapping, yellow petals borne on a thin, green stem. The only other yellow poppies are the Californian Poppy, a garden escapee with much more delicate leaves, the Yellow Horned-poppy, which grows on the seashore, and the Greater Celandine, with numerous smaller flowers.
Where to find it:
Native in rocky damp woodland and cliffs in South-west England, Wales and Ireland, but widespread on roadsides and in many other habitats as a garden escape.
How people can help:
The loss of many of our natural habitats in the countryside mean that the flowers and plants in our gardens provide vital food and shelter for a range of wildlife including butterflies, bees, birds and small mammals. To encourage wildlife into your garden, try planting native species such as the Welsh Poppy. To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.
Statistics:
Height: up to 50cm
Conservation status:
Common.
Did you know?:
The Welsh Poppy is the logo of the Welsh political party Plaid Cymru.
Seasons:
Summer
Image:
