Stylophorum diphyllum

Common Names

Celandine Poppy, Wood Poppy, Yellow Wood Poppy

Summary

Stylophorum diphyllum, commonly called celandine poppy or wood poppy, is a herbaceous perennial in the Papaveraceae native to eastern North America. It grows about 12–18 inches tall and 9–12 inches wide, with bluish-green, deeply lobed leaves and bright yellow four-petaled flowers that bloom in spring; the plant is rhizomatous and can self-seed, aiding naturalization in woodland or shade gardens. It prefers moist, rich loamy soil and partial to full shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4–9; seeds are dispersed by ants and pollinators include bees and flies, while deer resistance is commonly noted.

In cultivation, Stylophorum diphyllum tolerates a range of soil moisture and pH, performing best with consistent moisture and rich soil; it can go dormant in dry periods but returns when moisture returns. Propagation is possible by division or seed (seed germination may require moist stratification); the plant provides early-season color for shaded areas and can naturalize over time, though habitat threats from Garlic Mustard and Japanese Stiltgrass occur in some regions. It suits woodland, cottage, and rain gardens and can serve as a shade groundcover that supports pollinators.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade to full shade; sun only in early spring before trees leaf out.

Soil Type

Moist, rich loamy soil with organic matter.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring (March–June)

Foliage Color

Green to blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators (flies and beetles), with no indication of attraction of hummingbirds, butterflies, or birds