Stylophorum diphyllum
wood poppy
p apaveraceae
Bright yellow poppylike flowers; lobed
green leaves with silver undersides
18–24 in. high; 18 in. wide
Shade
Blooms May–June
Zones 4–9
pruning Plants self-seed nicely if not
deadheaded, creating a naturalized
effect in woodland plantings, and the
drooping, silvery, poppylike seed
capsules are attractive. Deadhead if
seeding is not desired. Foliage may
yellow and completely deteriorate in
hot, dry summers. Deadleafing helps
to maintain a decent appearance for a
bit longer; if foliage damage is severe,
cut back to new basal growth if
present. Keeping plants moist will also
help the foliage hold longer. Sporadic
rebloom may even occur. Plants
usually completely die down in the
autumn.
other maintenance Best
performance of this native plant is
obtained in high-organic, moist soils.
Water during periods of drought to
maintain foliage. Plants prefer to be
left undisturbed. Divide in early spring
or fall, taking care to not damage the
thick, long roots.
related plantS Stylophorum
lasiocarpum is an Asiatic relative of S.
diphyllum that has larger, more deeply
lobed leaves. It reportedly has a longer
bloom period in the spring and
summer. Stylophorum diphyllum