Prickly Poppy, Long pricklyhead poppy
Papaver argemone
Family: Papaveraceae
What it is like
Papaver argemone is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
A common weed of light soils in the south of Britain, becoming rare in the north.
Central and southern Europe, including Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion or syrup made from the petals is used as a sudorific.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Does not do well on wet clay soils but succeeds in most other soils. Plants usually self-sow freely when growing in suitable conditions so long as the soil surface is disturbed. When growing in cereal fields, poppies decrease the yields of nearby cereal plants. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant is toxic to mammals, though the toxicity is low. The seed is not toxic.