The opium poppy , Papaver somniferum , is grown for opium , opiates or seeds to be used in cooking and baking . The opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum ) is so widely used , for both drugs and food , that its worldwide production is monitored by international agencies . It yields opium and opiates , poppy seed for use in cooking and baking , poppyseed oil for both culinary and other uses , and is also cultivated as an ornamental plant .