Callirhoe papaver

Callirhoe survives transplanting when in bloom (easiest time to find it) if care is taken to keep it moist. Propagation by root cuttings works well in the spring and fall. Attempts to germinate fresh seed were not successful (author unpublished data) but Steffen (1997) reports germination of Callirhoe triangulata improves with cold/moist stratification. Others have had high germination rates (Malcom Vidrine per com). Callirhoe triangulata improves with cold/moist stratification. It has great merit as an ornamental garden plant and is quite drought tolerant. It is also edible (see Natural History). Seeds average approximately 2,500,000 seed/lb.

This plant is often removed from road-side prairie remnants by gardeners because of its brilliant red color which makes it readily noticeable. The leaves are mucilaginous and are used to thicken soups, as are other members of the mallow family (e.g. okra) world wide. The fleshy root can be roasted and eaten like a sweet potato, but this plant is rare in coastal prairie and only cultivated plants should be eaten. The genus name "callirhoe" comes from the Greek "kallirhoos" meaning "beautiful." The species name "papaver" refers to its resemblance to poppies, which have the genus name Papaver. The flower petals are a rich red and form a cup shaped flower giving Callirhoe its common name, wine cups.

Pine-oak flatwoods.