Macleaya

The plume poppies from China and Japan, 2 species M. cordata, M. microcarpa and a hybrid between the two, M. x kewensis. Tall, clump-forming herbaceous perennials, with very airy panicles of small flowers. Foliage often glaucous, attractive and fig-like.

In common with other members of the poppy family, the small flowers of Macleaya lack nectaries. The pollen does however attract a range of insects, albeit more limited, and mostly flies. It is starting to turn up in the wild in Britain: given its ability to spread by rhizomes (and in the species forms, by seed), steps should be taken to ensure it remains within the confines of cultivation.