Prickly Poppy
Argemone mexicana
This New World native easily naturalizes and likely originated in Central America. A hardy annual notable for its sharp, prickly leaves and pale yellow flowers.
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.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
