SafePlants

Argemone mexicana: The Mexican Poppy

Argemone mexicana, commonly known as Mexican poppy, Mexican prickly poppy, flowering thistle, cardo, or cardosanto, is a striking plant with a complex history and numerous common names. It is also known as goatweed, yellow thistle, devil's fig, golden thistle of Peru, biniguy thistle, white thistle, Mexican thistle, Mexican prickle poppy, Amapolas del campo, Bermuda Thistle, Bird-in-the-bush, Kawinchu, Mexican Thorn Poppy.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Argemone mexicana
• Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy family)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is also known as Mexican Prickly Poppy and Mexican Thorn Poppy.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is also known as Mexican Prickly Poppy and Mexican Thorn Poppy.

Distribution and Habitat

Originally from Mexico, Argemone mexicana has now spread widely. In the United States, it can be found from Louisiana west to Arizona. It thrives in sandy soils.

Ecological Role

In some regions, Mexican poppy, nodding thistle, Saffron thistle, Scotch thistle and star thistle are declared noxious weeds.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant resembles a thistle.
• It is a large, glistening poppy.

Quirky Facts

• The tin mines of Cornwall have an unusual link to Mexico's silver mines.

Eryngium heterophyllum: Mexican Thistle

Eryngium heterophyllum, commonly known as Mexican thistle or Wright's eryngo, is another distinct plant sharing the common name "Mexican thistle".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Eryngium heterophyllum
• Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)
• USDA Symbol: ERHE3