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pricklypoppy

Scientific Name: Argemone

Family: Papaveraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

White Prickly Poppy (Argemone albiflora)

The white prickly poppy, scientifically known as Argemone albiflora, is also commonly referred to as the bluestem prickly poppy or Texas prickly poppy. The name "Prickly Poppy" is used for various species of the Argemone genus.

Considerations for Pets

  • Members of the Argemone genus, including prickly poppies, generally have prickly leaves, stems, and pods.

Considerations for Children

  • Members of the Argemone genus, including prickly poppies, generally have prickly leaves, stems, and pods.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Argemone albiflora
  • Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy family)
  • Synonyms: A. ochroleuca (for some species referred to as Prickly Poppy)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Argemone albiflora spp. texana can be found from Northern Arkansas and Southern Mississippi to Texas.
  • At least three species of prickly poppy are common in a certain region, with a few others growing on the northern edge.
  • Prefers lighter, sandier soil and adapts easily to various climates.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Small erect plant.
  • Has a decorative white flower.
  • The yellow prickly poppy can grow 8–18 inches tall, with a smooth or slightly prickly stem.
  • Deeply lobed leaves are a whitish-green.

Traditional and Historical Uses

  • The plant has a rich ethnobotanical history in ritual and shamanic practice.
  • Known by the Aztecs as "food of the dead."
  • Like other members of the poppy family, the prickly poppy has a long history as a traditional medicine.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The seeds of the white prickly poppy are said to be an excellent food source for quail and other birds.
  • Argemone platyceras attracts many bees.

Other species of Argemone mentioned include:

  • Argemone gracilenta Greene – Sonoran prickly poppy
  • Argemone polyanthemos (Fedde) G.B.Ownbey – crested prickly poppy
  • Argemone sanguinea Greene
  • Argemone mexicana (yellow prickly poppy), also known as goatweed, Mexican thistle, and yellow thistle.
  • Argemone pleicantha
  • Argemone platyceras
  • Argemone munita