A poppy is a type of flowering plant known for its delicate, brightly colored petals that often look like thin tissue paper. Most poppies bloom in shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow, and they grow wild in fields across many parts of the world.

Poppies became a powerful symbol after World War I. The war devastated large areas of Europe, but red poppies were among the first flowers to bloom in the torn-up battlefields. A Canadian doctor named John McCrae wrote a famous poem called “In Flanders Fields” about poppies growing among soldiers' graves. Today, many people wear artificial red poppies on Remembrance Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day to honor soldiers who died in wars.

Some types of poppies have been used for thousands of years to make medicines, including strong painkillers. Ancient doctors discovered that certain chemicals in the poppy plant could help patients feel better after surgery or injuries. These same chemicals can be dangerous and habit-forming, which is why doctors must be extremely careful when prescribing medicines made from poppies.

You might also enjoy eating poppy seeds on bagels or muffins. These tiny black seeds come from a variety of poppy and add a pleasant, slightly nutty flavor to baked goods.