The yellow horned poppy is one of the few indigenous plants that flowers during summer. It is a biennial or a short-lived perennial. The flowers are similar in size and structure to those of the common poppy, but are yellow instead of red, and the seeds are formed in a long thin pod.

The yellow horned poppy, in Maltese peprin isfar, native to many parts of Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. It was introduced in many parts of the US and in some places it is considered a weed.

In Malta, it is most common along the north and east coast. It grows near the sea and is never found far inland. It prefers sandy areas, but it can also be common in rocky areas, especially in dust or soil-filled depressions.

Like many other plants, the yellow horned poppy is both poisonous and medicinal

Its leaves are thick and leathery, an adaptation to life close to the sea. They store water and are covered in a layer of wax which stops it from being lost through them.

The first flowers appear in late April, although it is not easy to find a plant in flower so early in the season as they start flowering in earnest in early June. Like many other plants, the yellow horned poppy is both poisonous and medicinal. Every part of the plant is toxic and eating it can result in respiratory failure and even death.

Clear yellow oil is obtained from the seeds. The plant’s main medicinal component is known as glaucine. This substance has properties similar to those of codeine and it is used in some countries as an antitussive. However, it can have side effects such as sedation, fatigue and can also bring about hallucinations.

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