Papaver, commonly known as poppies, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Papaveraceae. There are over 70 different species of Papaver, each with their own unique characteristics and growing requirements.

Plant type: Papaver plants are typically short-lived perennials, lasting only a few years. However, they may self-seed readily, allowing new plants to grow from the seedlings.

Flowers: Poppies are known for their showy, cup-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow, which bloom in late spring and early summer.

Common types of poppies:

• Oriental poppy: These large, showy flowers have a crepe-paper texture and come in shades of red, pink, orange, and white. They may require staking to prevent them from flopping over.
• California poppy: These bright orange or yellow flowers are native to California and the southwestern United States. 
• Iceland poppy: These delicate flowers come in shades of white, yellow, orange, and pink and are often grown as annuals in colder climates. They prefer cooler temperatures. 

Growing conditions: Papaver plants prefer well-draining soil and full sun.  They are typically easy to grow, and many varieties will readily self-seed.

Uses: They are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and meadows and are popular for their easy care and self-seeding nature. Papaver plants can be used in a variety of ways in the garden, including:

• Borders: Poppies can be used as a colorful border plant in gardens and flower beds. They pair well with other sun-loving perennials, such as coneflowers and black-eyed susans.
• Rock gardens: Some varieties of poppies, such as the Alpine poppy, are well-suited to rock gardens and other small spaces.
• Wildflower gardens: Poppies are a popular addition to wildflower gardens and meadows, where their vibrant colors and self-seeding nature can create a naturalistic look.

In addition to their ornamental value, poppies have also been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Poppy seeds are commonly used in baking, while opium poppies (Papaver somniferum) are used to produce opium, a narcotic pain reliever.