Argemone munita
flatbud prickly poppy
Western United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Argemone munita is a prickly annual to short-lived perennial reaching 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) tall, with stout, branching stems armed with sharp spines. The blue-green, deeply lobed leaves are 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, covered with stiff prickles along the veins and margins. Flowers are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, with five or six crinkled, papery white petals surrounding a dense cluster of many yellow stamens. Bloom occurs from late spring through summer. The plant produces a spiny, oblong seed capsule and exudes a yellow sap when cut. All parts contain toxic alkaloids and are avoided by livestock, and the spines deter handling. It grows on dry, disturbed, sunny ground and behaves as a pioneer on bare soil, declining as other vegetation closes in.
Native Range
Native to the western United States and northern Mexico, including California, the Great Basin, and the Southwest. Grows on dry, open, disturbed ground such as roadsides, washes, burned areas, and overgrazed range, from low deserts to mountain slopes up to about 8,000 feet (2,400 m).Suggested Uses
Used in dry native and restoration plantings, desert gardens, and on disturbed slopes for early cover, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Its spines and toxic sap make it suited to areas away from paths and foot traffic. Reseeds on bare, sunny ground and fades as other plants establish.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowers from late spring through summer, mainly May through August, with timing earlier at low elevations and later in the mountains. Individual flowers last a few days, opening in sequence over several weeks. Bloom is heavier after wet winters and on freshly disturbed ground.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow stamensFoliage Description
blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on dry, sandy or gravelly, sharply drained soil. It needs no irrigation once established and rots in wet or rich soil. As a pioneer it establishes readily from seed on bare ground and is short-lived, fading as competing plants move in. The yellow sap and all plant parts contain toxic alkaloids harmful to people and livestock if eaten. The sharp spines cover stems, leaves, and capsules. There are few pests or diseases.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Spent, spiny stalks can be cut and removed after seed set. Removing seed capsules before they open limits self-seeding onto open ground.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall