Fumarioideae

plant subfamily

Also known as: bleeding heart family, fumitory family

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The Fumarioideae is a subfamily within the poppy family (Papaveraceae). Formerly considered its own family, Fumariaceae, this subfamily is characterized by bilaterally symmetrical flowers with two dissimilar pairs of petals. The plants often have compound or finely divided leaves, and many species possess rhizomes or tubers.1

The genus Fumaria, from which the subfamily gets its name, includes annual herbs with a single spurred petal and a one-seeded capsule. The common fumitory, an extract from these plants, was historically used as a tonic. Members of the Papaveraceae family are predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere and include many ornamental and pharmaceutically important species.21

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Papaveraceae
Physical description
…own family, the large subfamily Fumarioideae characteristically features bilaterally symmetrical flowers with two dissimilar pairs of petals. The leaves are often compound or finely divided. Many species have rhizomes or tubers.The subfamily Chelidonieae comprises annual and perennial plants with yellow, orange, or red latex in the stems.
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…own family, the large subfamily Fumarioideae characteristically features bilaterally symmetrical flowers with two dissimilar pairs of petals. The leaves are often compound or finely divided. Many species have rhizomes or tubers.The subfamily Chelidonieae comprises annual and perennial plants with yellow, orange, or red latex in the stems.
Read More