SafePlants

Argemone squarrosa: Hedgehog Prickly Poppy

Argemone squarrosa, commonly known as the Hedgehog Prickly Poppy, is a forb/herb belonging to the poppy family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is named "prickly poppy" and is noted for having stems that are "densely prickly."

Considerations for Children

• This plant is named "prickly poppy" and is noted for having stems that are "densely prickly."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Argemone squarrosa Greene
• Common Name: Hedgehog Prickly Poppy
• Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
• Rank: Species
• Subspecies: Argemone squarrosa subsp. glabrata G.B. Ownbey
• USDA Symbol: ARSQ
• Synonyms: None explicitly stated, but the text highlights the subspecies Argemone squarrosa subsp. glabrata G.B. Ownbey as a related taxon.

Distribution and Habitat

• Observed along U.S. 70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces, New Mexico.
• Also found on Otero Mesa in south-central New Mexico.
• Favors hardland soil.
• Presence is noted in Oklahoma (OK) and New Mexico (NM).
• Absent from Idaho.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a forb/herb.
• Has a shrub-like growth habit, covering the available land.
• Medium-sized plant.
• Showy white flower with 6 wrinkled petals and a yellow center. Blooms from June to August.
• Leaves have deep notches.
• Stems are densely prickly.

Related Species

• Argemone aenea G.B. Ownbey - Golden Pricklypoppy
• Argemone aurantiaca G.B. Ownbey - Texas Pricklypoppy
• Argemone polyanthemos - Crested Prickly Poppy
• Argemone sanguinea - Red Prickly Poppy
• Argemone platyceras - Rough Prickly Poppy

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions "seedsofsuccess" and photo keywords, suggesting the plant is of interest to photographers and seed collectors.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Argemone squarrosa.
• Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.