White Prickly Poppy Argemone albiflora 20 Seeds

Argemone albiflora, commonly called white prickly poppy or Mexican prickly poppy, is a striking annual to short-lived perennial native to the south-central United States and northern Mexico, thriving in open prairies, disturbed soils, roadsides, and arid grasslands where few other wildflowers can persist. Reaching 30–120 centimeters (1–4 feet) in height, it features bluish-green, deeply lobed leaves covered in pale veins and sharp prickles, giving the plant a formidable, thistle-like appearance that deters herbivores. The large, papery flowers bloom from spring into summer, composed of six delicate, pure-white petals surrounding a dense cluster of showy yellow stamens that draw bees and other pollinators. Once pollinated, the plant forms spiny capsules that split open to release numerous small black seeds, promoting its spread in favorable conditions. A sticky yellow latex exudes from broken stems and is known to be toxic if ingested, aligning with the plant’s defensive adaptations. Despite its prickly nature, Argemone albiflora holds ecological value in dry landscapes by supporting pollinator communities and stabilizing soils. It has also been used in traditional medicine, though such applications must be approached with care due to the presence of alkaloids. With its combination of resilience, dramatic blooms, and wildlife benefits, the white prickly poppy is a hardy and visually captivating component of the southern plains flora.