In Bloom: 2009-06-11 Out of Bloom: 2009-11-16 Growth Type: Annual Hardiness Zones: 1 - 10 Location at Monticello: West Lawn Planting Conditions: Full Sun

Prickly Poppy Argemone mexicana (Click image to enlarge)

On June 18, 1767 Thomas Jefferson recorded in his Garden Book that "Argemone put out one flower" in his garden at Shadwell. On July 18 he noted another Prickly Poppy flower and observed that it was "the 4th this year," a testament to Jefferson's almost childlike appreciation of the natural world around him. Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon sold Prickly Poppy, "Mexican Argemone," in 1804. This hardy annual grows to two feet and produces pale yellow flowers and attractive green and white variegated leaves tipped with prickly spines. Visit Monticello's Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Prickly Poppy. Close Window © Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.