Bremer et al. Boreal to subtropical regions especially in the Northern Hemisphere. 23 genera and 325 species.
Blood root is used today in some toothpaste preparations.
The use of opimium poppy is ancient. Both opium, morphine and heroin come from this plant. See the information provided by James A. Duke on its agronomic value . Many other species of Papaver make excellent wildflower displays. Temperate to the mountains of the tropics, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere.