Baylor University
Lake Waco Wetlands
Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Educational Resources

Baylor > Wetlands > Wildflowers > Prickly Poppy
Group Dicot
Family Papaveraceae
Growth Habit Forb/herb
Duration

Annual
Biennial
Perennial

U.S. Nativity Native
Source USDA



whitepricklypoppy2

Prickly Poppy - Argemone polyanthemos

whitepricklypoppy1

  • Height is 1-4 feet tall.
  • Flowers from June through Sept.
  • Usually found in sandy soils of flood plains, disturbed areas, and roadsides.
  • Occurs throughout Kansas.
  • The plant is poisonous to cattle, but livestock will leave it untouched, due to its prickly spines.
  • It has a sticky, bright yellow-orange sap.

Scientific Sources: USDA Plant Database and KSU Library
Photos: Courtesy of S. Peregrine Johnson