ExplorePlants

thistle poppy

Argemone polyanthemos

The thistle poppy is a bright yellow flower with spiky leaves. It grows in sunny places and attracts bees and butterflies, making it a cheerful sight in nature.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The thistle poppy has distinctive blue-green leaves covered in sharp spines, resembling a thistle. Its large, papery flowers are typically a delicate pale yellow to white, often with crumpled petals and and a bright yellow center, making it stand out in arid landscapes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyPapaveraceaeGenusArgemone
thistle poppy
flowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgemedicinal trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
thistle poppy

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ancient people sometimes used its seeds to make a special oil for lamps.

Despite its name, it's not a true thistle, but a type of poppy!

Its beautiful flowers only last for one day, but new ones bloom constantly.

The milky sap inside its stems turns a yellowish color when exposed to air!

Special abilities

Ability

Spine Shield

The thistle poppy has sharp, spiny leaves that help it defend against hungry animals trying to take a bite.

Ability

Sun Survival

Thistle poppy can grow deep roots that help it find water far underground, allowing it to thrive in dry, sunny places.

Ability

Milky Guard

Thistle poppy has a milky sap containing special chemicals that make it unappetizing, deterring most nibbling critters.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
5-10 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its blooms.

pollinates

Vosnesensky bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

Transfers pollen as it visits flowers.

pollinates

Viereck's sweat bee

Lasioglossum vierecki

Aids in plant reproduction.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to touch the spiky leaves, as they can be sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is thistle poppy?

30-90 cm

How wide does thistle poppy spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on thistle poppy?

5-10 cm

When does thistle poppy bloom?

Summer to fall

Is thistle poppy edible?

No

Is thistle poppy toxic?

High

What is thistle poppy's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is thistle poppy pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants