Christophher Grey-Wilson. Poppies: The Poppy Family in the Wild and in Cultivation. Revised Edition. Timber Press. 2001.

I must admit up front that I started reading this book believing it would be about poppies, or at least what I know as poppies, those plants found in the Papaver genus. This book has deepened my understanding of the plant world significantly by expanding my knowledge of all the genera found in the poppy family (Papaveraceae). I knew about many of the plants discussed in this book but had no idea that they were in the poppy family.

The author provides basic information on what constitutes a "poppy" and their cultivation in the earliest section of the book. He also discusses pests, diseases, and how to propagate poppies. Then a guide four subfamilies within the poppy family is provided with a listing of the genera found in each subfamily. There are 250 individual species found within the 23 genera of the poppy family found in the poppy family.

The remainder of the book is divided into 4 divisions, with each division covering one subfamily. These sections present all the necessary identification keys, cultural notes, and propagation techniques needed for each of the genera. I believe every gardener reading this book will react the same way I did: "Oh, I didn't know that (you fill in the blank) was really a poppy!" I had considered "poppy" to be just a common name for plants rather than being reflective of the plant family they really belonged in.

Every gardener can find a poppy suitable for his or her individual needs. These plants live in situations ranging from shade gardens to the hot, dry desert. Many are suitable for trough gardens, my favorite form of gardening. Still others are referred to as "tree" poppies due to the size and woodiness of the plants. Poppies generally are classified as herbs (herbaceous plants) although several American species are woody. There are annual, biennial and perennial poppies available.

The poppy species that most surprised me is called Madeaya cordata, the horned poppy. After looking at this plant, I would have been inclined to believe it belonged to the geranium family rather than being a poppy! I am sure everyone who reads this book will find at least one plant that totally surprises him or her.

The species Canbya contains the pygmy poppies, a desert species native to the Americas is a plant that I would like to grow just because it grows in deserts. I wonder where I could get some seeds? It was while reading about these two inches tall poppies that I realized that information on the hardiness of each species is missing from this book. Since geographical information is given, a determined gardener can research the necessary information. I suspect many of us will just pass up plants rather than take the time to do the research. Perhaps in the next edition, an appendix could be added with this information?