XArgemone polyanthemos - Prickly PoppyX
Click/Tap a thumbnail image to see its larger image with informational details.
-
Prickly Poppy (Argemone polyanthemos), family Papaveraceae (Poppy)
Oh! The reputation of these plants is almost universal - d.r.u.g.s. Well it isn't always true. Only the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) can claim this dubious distinction. According to the website Southwest Colorado Wildflowers is the following: 'This is an Eastern Plains species introduced to the Western Slope probably through highway construction. It is still uncommon on the Western Slope. Flowers are large, brilliant white, delicate, and flutter in a slight breeze. Prickles adorn stem leaf and seed pods. "Argemone" is a herb referred to by the Greeks thousands of years ago and "polyanthemos" means "many flowers". Linnaeus named this genus in 1753.' End quote. Our specimen was in what could be considered a plains area. The flower certainly appears in contradiction to the foliage. With a delicate and brilliant white crepe paper look to the flower, the harsh needle-like leaves and stems add a touch-me-not message to the look of this plant. The genus Argemone hosts about 25 species of prickly poppies. Other poppy genus include bush varieties, scrubs, and even small trees. Note that there are plants in the Papaveraceae family that are poisonous. WIKIPEDIA has this 'These plants almost all contain alkaloids. Many are poisonous.
CAUTION: The Mexican Prickly Poppy (pictured above) is poisonous if taken internally and may cause edema and glaucoma. Even if an animal, such as a goat, should persist in grazing on this plant, not only will the animal suffer but so will those who drink its milk, because the poisons are passed along in the milk.' End quote
Flower -
Plant location: Our specimen was off the roadside in Thornton Colorado, July 2008.Plant -
Bloom season: April to August.Foliage -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-