Argemone

The Argemone Poppy is also known as prickly poppy and in this genus there are approximately 30 to 32 species are native to America and Canada such as Argemone corymbosa, Argemone mexicana and Argemone munita. These unlike other members of the Papaver family have sharp pointed leaves that resemble a plant of the cactus family.

The flowers of this poppy have 4 to 6 petals are usually white or yellow in color, they range from 2 to 5 inches in diameter and are scented. The stems can reach from 2 to 5 inches tall and it is a hardy annual that can receive its self.

Their name the prickly poppy is due to their leaves, which are sharp and toothed deep into the leave that is marginally spread along the stem.

Planting of this species should be done after the frost is past as they require warm soil, they should be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. The soil must have good drainage and lime should be added to the soil. These plants like the other Papaver species require a certain climate; the Argemone likes a warm climate. It can normally be found as native plants in tropical parts of the United States, as well as the Southwest and other countries such as Mexico. When planting the seeds they should be placed just below the soil surface and it should be an area that will receive plenty of sunlight. If this is plant is placed in an area where spreading is not wanted the heads should be taken off prior to dropping its seeds as they can become uncontrollable when this poppy begins to spread.