Prickly Poppy

Sun. An annual wildflower with lobed, bluish-grey thistle leaves, easily identified by its poppy-like spring flowers. There are at least three species: Argemone sanguinea is the burgundy-colored form, A. mexicana is the yellow form, and A. albiflora is white. Use it as a summer barrier plant in unwatered areas. It thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, and reseeds prolifically in disturbed areas from roadsides to gardens. All parts of the plant, including its seed, are toxic. It is not preferred by deer.