How to identify Mexican prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana)
Mexican prickly poppy, also known as Flowering thistle, Cardo
Mexican prickly poppy boasts striking yellow flowers reminiscent of poppies, measuring roughly 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter, with numerous stamens. The plant has a robust, erect stature, typically reaching heights of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm). Leaves are thorny and deeply lobed, spanning up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, while the stem and buds are coated in spiky prickles. The fruit is a capsule with a length of 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), guarded by sharp spines.
Lifespan: Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Yellow flowers, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter, with numerous stamens.
Leaves thorny, deeply lobed, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Fruit a dry, spiny capsule, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length.
Flowers with 4-6 bright yellow petals, up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) across.
Stem upright, smooth to spiny, with scattered prickles, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) thick.
Mexican prickly poppy leaves are alternate and simple, characterized by their spine-tipped lobes and whitish wax that can be rubbed off. The upper leaves clasp the stem between their lower lobes. Each leaf has a smooth upper surface, with a coloration that typically appears green. The overall texture is smooth to the touch, and the distinct spine-tipped lobes offer a unique floral appearance. Leaf sizes can vary, typically measuring around 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) in length.
The flowers of mexican prickly poppy are a striking feature with 4-6 bright yellow petals, although cream-yellow or white variations also exist. Each flower boasts a vibrant cluster of numerous stamens, adding to its showy appearance. The petals are broad and crinkled, measuring up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) across. These flowers typically have no notable scent and bloom predominantly during the summer months. Their vivid color and distinctive structure make them easily identifiable.
The branched, upright stem of mexican prickly poppy is typically smooth or exhibits slight prickliness. The stem's texture ranges from smooth to subtly spiny, exhibiting a green coloration. It averages 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) in thickness and displays significant branching patterns, enhancing its robust structure. Unique to mexican prickly poppy, the stem's surface may feature scattered prickles, aiding in identification. Its rigid, upright stance supports the plant's overall height and vigor, making it a prominent feature.
The fruit of mexican prickly poppy is a capsule that is typically dry and spiny in texture. It is oblong in shape, measuring about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length. When mature, the fruit's outer layer turns a chalky shade of yellow to brown. It is characterized by its ability to split open along the seams to release numerous small, black, and globular seeds. This dehiscence occurs when the fruit dries, an adaptation for seed dispersal. The surface of the fruit is covered with prickly spines that can be sharp to the touch.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Mexican prickly poppy
