I absolutely love learning a new plant. I saw this at a client's property in Maryland last week and was informed it was wood poppy, or Stylophorum diphyllum. Though not a true Papaver it is indeed in the poppy, or Papaveraceae family.
I'm chagrined because at first glance I thought it was a buttercup, or member of the Ranunculaceae family. The yellow flowers influenced my snap judgment, which is always a good reminder to look more carefully when inspecting plants in the field.
If I had paid closer attention, I would have noted the poppy-like fuzzy flower buds and the soft hairs on the flower's peduncle -- both typical to poppies and not at all common on buttercups. Also like poppies, when the stem is broken a milky sap exudes from the plant.
Stylophorum is a native wildflower and naturalizes damp woods with ease. The genus name simply means "having styles" which are the stem(s) that supports the female flower part - the stigma. Diphyllum refers to the pair of leaves that usually are found at the base of the flower. The plant is also commonly called celandine poppy.
The leaves remind me of columbine?
ReplyDeleteNo matter what the name or color there is something about a weeping willow that just makes me feel carefree and young and in love with Spring.
ReplyDeleteI actually like looking for new species of plants as well. That plant you just found looks very unique. Thanks for the photos.
ReplyDeletewildlife removal