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southwestern pricklypoppy

Scientific Name: Argemone pleiacantha ssp. ambigua

Family: Papaveraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Argemone pleiacantha: Southwestern Prickly Poppy

Argemone pleiacantha, commonly known as Southwestern Prickly Poppy, is a flowering plant belonging to the poppy family (Papaveraceae). It is also referred to as Bluestem Pricklepoppy, Prickly Poppy, Thistle Poppy, Chicalote, and Cowboys' Fried Egg.

Considerations for Pets

  • The stems and leaves are described as sparingly to closely prickly.
  • The plant contains latex sap and seeds known to have poisonous alkaloids.

Considerations for Children

  • The stems and leaves are described as sparingly to closely prickly.
  • The plant contains latex sap and seeds known to have poisonous alkaloids.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Argemone pleiacantha Greene
  • Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
  • Synonym: Argemone pleiacantha var. ambigua (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners
  • Subspecies: Argemone pleiacantha subsp. pleiacantha Greene
  • Other Species Mentioned:
    • Argemone pleiacantha subsp. ambigua G. B. Ownbey
    • Argemone pleiacantha subsp. pinnatisecta
    • Argemone polyanthemos (Synonyms: Argemone albiflora and Argemone intermedia)
    • Argemone corymbosa (Mojave Prickly Poppy)
    • Argemone platyceras

Distribution and Habitat

Argemone pleiacantha is native to Arizona. It is also found throughout the Southwest deserts from California east to Texas. Its description includes distribution, anatomical size and habitat.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The plant can be annual or perennial.
  • Stems are branched, ranging from 5 to 12 dm in height, and sparingly to closely prickly.
  • Leaf blades have an abaxial surface sparingly prickly on veins and adaxial surface.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Observed to interact with blister beetles which pollinate the flowers.
  • Immature insects share pollen on the flowers.