SafePlants

Argemone polyanthemos - Crested Prickly Poppy

Argemone polyanthemos, commonly known as Crested Prickly Poppy, is an annual or biennial plant belonging to the Papaveraceae (Poppy) family. It is also referred to as Bluestem Prickly Poppy, Annual Pricklypoppy, Pricklypoppy, and Thistle Poppy.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has prickly leaves and fruit.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has prickly leaves and fruit.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Argemone polyanthemos (Fedde) G.B. Ownbey
• Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy family)
• Synonyms: Argemone platyceras, A. intermedia, A. intermedia var.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Crested Prickly Poppy is found in the west and southwest USA.
• It grows in plains and foothills, typically at elevations between 3700 and 8000 ft.
• Observed growing among prairie grasses in South Dakota and Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Ecological Role

• The plant is sometimes considered weedy or invasive.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is an annual or biennial forb/herb. Some resources list it as potentially perennial as well.
• Stems are typically 4-8 dm tall, but can reach up to 12 dm.
• Stems are sparingly prickly.
• Leaves are lobed and prickly. Leaf blades have scattered prickles on the abaxial surface (underside) on main veins. Adaxial (upper) surfaces are usually unarmed.
• The flower has 6 white petals in 2 rows of 3, with each petal measuring 1-2 inches across.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Not generally bothered by insects.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is also called scatter-spined prickly poppy.
• "It's tricky picking pretty prickly poppy plants."

Traditional Uses

• The Paiute people used a salve made from pulverized seeds as a burn dressing for burns, sores, or cuts.