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southwestern pricklypoppy

Scientific Name: Argemone pleiacantha ssp. pinnatisecta

Family: Papaveraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NM (Sacramento prickly-poppy)

       

Argemone pleiacantha: Southwestern Prickly Poppy

Argemone pleiacantha, commonly known as Southwestern Prickly Poppy, is a flowering plant belonging to the poppy family (Papaveraceae). Other common names include Bluestem Pricklepoppy, Prickly Poppy, Thistle Poppy, and Chicalote.

Considerations for Pets

  • The stems are described as sparingly to closely prickly.
  • The plant produces latex sap.
  • The seeds are noted to be poisonous.

Considerations for Children

  • The stems are described as sparingly to closely prickly.
  • The plant produces latex sap.
  • The seeds are noted to be poisonous.

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, Argemone pleiacantha subsp. ambigua G. B. Ownbey, Argemone pleiacantha subsp. pinnatisecta

Distribution and Habitat

Argemone pleiacantha is native to Arizona and found throughout the southwestern deserts from California east to Texas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The plant can be annual or perennial.
  • Stems are branched, ranging from 5 to 12 dm in height, and are sparingly to closely prickly.
  • Leaf blades have an abaxial surface sparingly prickly on the veins, and an adaxial surface.
  • The southwestern pricklypoppy has a panel-like development, which tends to cause the plant to widen significantly.
  • It can be evergreen during the summer.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Beetles are known to interact with the plant, with Blister Beetles being observed on the flowers.
  • Insects feed on the pollen.

Additional Resources

Further information can be found at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) and Discover Life.