Papaver radicatum

Papaver radicatum is circumpolar in distribution and grows in arctic and alpine zones in Europe, North America, and Asia.^[2][3]

Papaver radicatum grows at a latitude of 83°40'N on Kaffeklubben Island,^[4] and as of 2023, it was the northernmost flowering plant in the world.^[5] It appears on the Coat of arms of Nunavut.

The plant is known for appearing in white and yellow colorations. The yellow variant is much more widely distributed, occurring out in the open, compared to the white flowers typically only found in more remote locations.^[6]

Papaver radicatum has hair like structures covering the stem and sepals that are used to retain heat to act as insulation.^[7] The plant also shows heliotropism where the flower grows to face the sunlight, and the petals reflect light towards the pistil.^[6] The petals grow in a cup shape that are used to trap light and air inside to be used as warmth for the ovaries.^[8]

Bombus polaris is a known pollinator of this species.^[9] Its pollinator impact is heaviest in early spring, decreasing as the year continues.^[9] As the year ends, the fly population is known to be the major pollinator at that time.^[9]

The Flora of North America lists four subspecies:

• Papaver radicatum subsp. alaskanum (Hultén) J. P. Anderson
• Papaver radicatum subsp. kluanensis (D. Löve) D. F. Murray
• Papaver radicatum subsp. polare Tolmatchew
• Papaver radicatum subsp. radicatum

• Svalbard poppy, another poppy of the extreme north.

• Media related to Papaver radicatum at Wikimedia Commons