It is native to North America, where it is found in the eastern United States and Ontario.

The common name is derived from greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), a closely related European plant with similar flowers and leaves.

Apart from its normal sap, Stylophorum diphyllum produces a yellow orange latex which can cause stains.

In spring, the deep yellow flowers of the celandine poppy appear as a brilliant display on the forest floor.

As the wood poppy requires semi-shaded conditions, even selective logging can have negative effects by creating large openings that allow too much sun to reach the forest floor.