White Prickly Poppy, Bluestem pricklypoppy
Argemone albiflora

Family: Papaveraceae

What it is like

Argemone albiflora is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Waste places. Waste places, roadsides, fields, beaches, dunes and coastal plains from sea level to 300 metres.

Southern N. America - Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas and Illinois.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

A tea made from the leaves is demulcent, emetic and purgative. Caution is advised, the seed oil can cause glaucoma and oedema. An infusion of the plant is used in the treatment of jaundice, skin ailments, colds, colic and wounds.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in ordinary light soil in a sunny position. Does best in a poor well-drained soil, often self-sowing on stony and sandy sites. Plants resent root disturbance and are best sown in situ.

Propagating it: Seed - sow April in situ. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 15°c.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant, including the seed, contain toxic alkaloids.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. alba.