Flatbud Pricklypoppy
(Argemone munita)
Flatbud Pricklypoppy (Argemone munita)
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Daniel S.
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Daniel S.
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Daniel S. | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Daniel S. | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-26T11:21:28-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Argemone munita, commonly known as Flatbud Pricklypoppy, is an annual or perennial herb that is native to the chaparral, deserts, and scrublands of California, the Southwestern US, and the Mexican Pacific coast. This plant typically grows on erect, spiny stems that can exceed one meter in height, and it is characterized by its evergreen nature. The leaves are blue-green or mint-green, lobed, and covered with prickles. The white poppy flowers are showy, with six crinkly petals each up to 4 centimeters long, and three sepals. The flowers bloom from late spring to early fall and are notable for their dense ring of up to 250 small yellow or orange stamens, which give the appearance of sunny-side-up eggs, with the dark pistil resembling a dot of pepper. The fruit is a spiny white capsule, 3 to 5 centimeters long, containing many small seeds. The plant’s leaves and seeds contain alkaloids that are likely toxic.
Flatbud Pricklypoppy is appreciated for its striking white flowers and is often used in xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in regions with similar climates to its native habitat. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal water and thrives in full sun, making it suitable for drought-tolerant gardens. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor, rocky substrates. Gardeners should handle this plant with care due to its prickly nature and toxic components.CC BY-SA 4.0
Flatbud Pricklypoppy is appreciated for its striking white flowers and is often used in xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in regions with similar climates to its native habitat. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal water and thrives in full sun, making it suitable for drought-tolerant gardens. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor, rocky substrates. Gardeners should handle this plant with care due to its prickly nature and toxic components.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2.5-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, deserts, and scrublands of California and the Mexican Pacific coast
Other Names
Common Names: Flat-Bud Prickly Poppy, Chicalote
Scientific Names: , Argemone munita, Argemone mexicana var. aculeatissima, Argemone mexicana var. hispida, Argemone platyceras var. typica,
GBIF Accepted Name: Argemone munita Durand & Hilg.