Celandine Poppy
stylophorum diphyllum
Also known as: ["Wood Poppy","Wood Poppy"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America, known for its bright yellow flowers and lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Papaverales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Stylophorum |
| Botanical Name: | Stylophorum diphyllum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; must avoid waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, organic soil with good moisture retention.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sun or dappled light is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct sun to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for woodland or shaded garden beds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid harsh afternoon light; dappled shade is ideal.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Soil
moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; enrich with organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures; 60–75°F (15–24°C) preferred; tolerates cooler spring/autumn conditions.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch to insulate roots; adjust watering for temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; stop in fall/winter; water before feeding to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings; best for established plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps, ensure each has roots/leaves.
- Plant cuttings horizontally with nodes covered.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm, humid, shaded environment with consistent moisture.
Medium
Rich, moist, well-draining soil mix with organic matter.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for root cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; root cuttings: 4–6 weeks for roots, several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, trowel, rooting medium, plastic wrap (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip back stems at the base; thin out crowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, remove dead growth, shape lightly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
One size up; increase pot diameter by 2–3 inches.
Method
Use fresh, rich, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots if pot-bound; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to reduce fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or dormancy in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may enter dormancy; prolonged cold can damage roots or cause dieback.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering; may struggle in temperatures above 80°F (27°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Stylophorum diphyllum. The alkaloids present can cause irritation to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Stylophorum diphyllum may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicStylophorum diphyllum contains isoquinoline alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The physiological impact is generally limited to localized irritation and discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Stylophorum diphyllum require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade and thrives in woodland conditions.
Q: How often should I water Stylophorum diphyllum?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Q: Does Stylophorum diphyllum spread aggressively?
A: It can self-seed and spread moderately, but it is not considered invasive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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