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Papaveraceae
Japanese Forest Poppy
Hylomecon japonica
Gentle woodland light and quiet joy.
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Genus
- Hylomecon
- Native to
- Japan, Korea, northeastern China
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 20–30 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, humus-rich, well-drained woodland soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 5–8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The genus name Hylomecon means 'forest poppy' — from Greek 'hyle' (forest) and 'mekon' (poppy).
- It is one of few true poppies that thrives in deep shade, lighting up dark woodland floors in spring.
- The bright yellow four-petaled flowers are borne singly on slender stems above divided foliage.
- It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form gentle colonies but is never invasive.
- In Japanese gardens, it is valued as a shade ground cover that pairs beautifully with ferns and mosses.
Color meanings
Yellow
quiet happiness in shade