Macleaya microcarpa

Macleaya microcarpa is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is a vigorous, substantial herbaceous perennial growing to tall by or more wide, with grey-green felted leaves and loose panicles of buff flowers in midsummer.

Etymology

The name Macleaya commemorates Alexander Macleay, a Scottish/Australian entomologist. The specific epithet microcarpa means "small fruit". Plants of the genus Macleaya are commonly called plume poppies.

Cultivation

Macleaya microcarpa is an imposing architectural plant which self-seeds readily, and may become a nuisance in a garden setting. It is popular as a subject for flower arranging. The cultivar 'Kelway's Coral Plume', with pink-tinged flowers, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.