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Argemone albiflora ssp. texana
Argemone albiflora Hornem. ssp. texana G.B. Ownbey
Texas Bluestem Pricklypoppy, Bluestem Pricklypoppy, White Pricklypoppy, White Prickly Poppy
Papaveraceae (Poppy Family)
Synonym(s): Argemone albiflora var. texana
USDA Symbol: aralt
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
This is an extremely prickly annual or biennial, usually growing 1 1/2-2 ft., but sometimes reaching 5 ft. in height. Subtended by leaf-like, spiny bracts, the white blooms are 4-6 in. across with fragile, crinkled petals and numerous yellow or red stamens. White prickly poppy’s blue-green leaves are lobed, spiny, and covered with a whitish bloom.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Margin: Dentate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AR , LA , MO , TXNative Distribution: Most of TX into OK; naturalized elsewhere
Native Habitat: Hills; pastures; disturbed areas
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy or gravelly soils.
Conditions Comments: White prickly poppy is not competitive with perennials. It blooms only in spring and should be pulled out by June. This is an extremely prickly annual or biennial. White prickly poppy's blue-green leaves are lobed, spiny, and covered with a whitish bloom.
Benefit
Warning: Seeds and other plant parts can be toxic if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Seed sown in fall or early springCommercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-32 Collected 2006-06-19 in Travis County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Argemone albiflora ssp. texana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Argemone albiflora ssp. texana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Argemone albiflora ssp. texana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-11-21Research By: TWC Staff