Papaveraceae: perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate, hardy to zone 6, small yellow flowers from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September, found in growing damp ground, banks, hedgerows and by walls, nearly always close to human habitations, native to most of Europe, including Britain, east to North Asia, it is also naturalized in North America.
A distinctive, bright orange sap, which exudes when the plant is cut or bruised, the juice is dabbed onto the skin, directly from the plant, as a traditional treatment for warts and corns, the sap is said to resemble bile in colour, and the herb was therefore used as a remedy for liver disorders. The whole plant is used as an anti-inflammatory herb that improves bile flow, stimulates the uterus and circulatory system, and acts as an anti-spasmodic, diuretic, and laxative.
Seeds are sown in situ from February to May or August to November, germination usually takes place within 1 - 12 months, and the plant self-sows freely and should not need much encouragement.