The Iceland poppy is a boreal flowering plant native to subpolar regions of North America and Asia. They yield abundant large, papery, bowl-shaped, lightly fragrant flowers, supported by straight hairy stems among feathery blue-green foliage.

The plants prefer light, well-drained soil and full sun. In cool summer climates on well-drained soils, Iceland poppies can live 2–3 seasons, flowering from early spring to fall. Seeds are produced to become plants in future seasons.

Iceland poppies are amongst the best poppies for cutting, as they last for several days in the vase.