Papaver rhoeas

Poppies have long been used as a symbol of sleep, peace, rest and remembrance. In Greek and Roman myths, poppies were used as offerings to the dead. Poppies used as emblems on tombstones symbolize eternal sleep.

A second interpretation of poppies in Classical mythology is that the bright scarlet color signifies a promise of resurrection after death.

Poppies are herbaceous plants. Some species can be over a metre tall with flowers up to 15 centimetres across and have 4 to 6 petals.