Shirley Poppy (Papaver rhoeas 'Amazing Grey')

While ‘Amazing Grey’ is a cultivated variety, the species *Papaver rhoeas* (the Shirley Poppy and its ancestor, the Corn Poppy) is native to **Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa**.

Specifically:

* **Europe:** It’s widespread throughout Europe.
* **Asia:** Western and Central Asia.
* **North Africa:** Northern Africa

Therefore, the genetic origin of Shirley Poppies, including the ‘Amazing Grey’ variety, lies within that broad geographical area. It is not native to the Americas, Australia, or other regions outside of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They have, however, been naturalized in many other temperate areas around the world.