top of page

Prickly Poppy

Scientific Name:

Argemone munita

Type:

Plant

Habitat:

Dry, rocky, open areas, along dirt roads or washes, in elevations from 250 to 6000 feet.2

Range:

Western United States.3

Status:

Not Listed

This species is

NATIVE

to the Truckee Meadows.

Identification:

Prickly Poppies are, as their name implies, quite prickly. The foliage of Prickly Poppies is light blue green in color and in addition to the spiky hairs the six inch long leaves have jagged edges.1,2 Prickly Poppies can be 1-4 feet in height with large crinkly white flowers with yellow centers.1,2

Fast Facts:

  • While Prickly poppies are dramatic and beautiful, their sap and their seeds can be quite toxic and should admired but not touched.1,2

Sources:

  1. Wildflowers of the Northern Nevada Cold Desert, Nevada Native Plant Society, 2012, page 56

  2. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

  3. USDA PLANTS Database

Contributor(s):

Regina O'Shea-Hockett, research & content

Dayna Genio, web edits

Last Updated:

July 23, 2024 at 8:40:58 PM

bottom of page