Argemone polyanthemos

(Crested Prickly-poppy)

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Argemone polyanthemos, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7334

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Argemone polyanthemos, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7324

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Buds, Argemone polyanthemos, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7339

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Capsule, Argemone polyanthemos, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7344

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Leaf, Argemone polyanthemos, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7335

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Argemone polyanthemos, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7376

Scientific Name Argemone polyanthemos USDA PLANTS Symbol ARPO2
Common Name Crested Prickly-poppy, Thistle Poppy ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 18926
Family Papaveraceae (Poppy) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to Montane (3700 to 8000 ft.); dry, sandy soils in grasslands and along roadsides.
Plant: Erect annual or biennial; stout, somewhat prickly stems, 16 to 32 inches tall.
Leaves: Basal leaves in a rosette; stem leaves alternate, deeply pinnately-lobed, 2-3/4 to 8 inches long, upper surface unarmed, lower with prickles on main veins; prickles on margins and lobe tips.
Inflorescence: Showy, large white blossoms, 2-3/4 to 4 inches across; 6 white papery-thin petals, 150 or more bright yellow stamens; flower buds ellipsoid-oblong, body 5/8 to 7/8 inches long, somewhat prickly.
Bloom Period: June to August.
Fruit: Very prickly ellipsoid-shaped capsule is less than 1/4 inch long (including stigma and excluding prickles).
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County