Prickly Poppy (Argemone mexicana)

Family: Papaveraceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

A hardy pioneering poppy species with yellow flowers from Mexico and now widely naturalized in many parts of the world. Some very useful medicinal qualities and some suggestions that the leaves can be eaten. The seed oil is used for lighting and soap and potentially may be a Biodiesel. Common Names: Mexican pricklepoppy; Mexican pricklypoppy; Mexican thistle; prickly poppy; yellow thistle. Spanish: adormidera espinosa; cardo blanco; chicalote.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves No further details are given but caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity at the top of the page. — Leaves No further details are given but caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity at the top of the page.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry soils along roadsides and in waste places and fields. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)