Argemone albiflora Hornem.

White Prickly Poppy; Carolina Poppy; Blue Stem Prickly Poppy

Herb

Annual

Vascular

White Prickly Poppy is a native annual or biennial in the Poppy family (Papaveraceae). It can be found in the southern half of Alabama. White Prickly Poppy occurs on dunes, on roadsides, along railroads, in fields and pastures, and in dry, sand disturbed areas. It is an annual or weak biennial from a tap root. Stems are glaucous, prickly, branched, and up to 6 feet in height. Leaves are alternate, sessile, lanceolate or obovate in outline, with spinose dentate margins. The main veins on the lower side of the leaf have prickles. The leaves are pinnately lobed or cleft, dark green in color with light colored veins. All parts of the plant release a milky latex sap when damaged. Flowers are solitary and terminal at the ens of branches. The flowers have 4-6 large white petals and a cluster of numerous yellow stamens in the center. The fruit is a spiny ellipsoid capsule containing many globose, reticulate, dark brown or black seed. White Prickly Poppy seed are sometimes available from companies that sell native plants. The seed should be planted in well-draining sandy soil in full sun.--A. Diamond

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Native

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