white prickly poppy

Individuals of this species are erect, prickly deep-rooted plants with a white flower that contains many yellow and red stamens. The flowers grow solitarily or in loose cymes at the top of the plant. It contains grayish-green, long (2 to 10 inches) lanceolate to ovate leaves. The lower leaves are lobed to the midrib while the upper leaves are more shallow. The upper surface of the leaf is smooth although it has a few prickles along the midrib while the lower surface of the leaf is spiny along the midrib and main vein.

Argemone albiflora can be found in the area ranging from east Texas to northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. Native to areas of Southern California's High Desert such as Twentynine Palms.

White prickly poppy is an annual or biennial plant that often grows in colonies in sandy or gravelly soils. This plant is often found along fences, roadsides, railroad tracks, on hills and slopes, and in overgrazed pastures.

This plant is usually avoided by cattle and many other animals that roam the southern Midwest area as it is very prickly and has limited nutritional value. The seeds are the most nutritional part of the plant. Quails and doves consume these seeds for its high oil content. Each flower produces an abundance of seeds making it a reliable food source.

The white prickly poppy exudes a yellow latex that Native Americans use for many different ailments. Aztec priests would use the plant in sacrificial rituals. The Comanches held the plant in such high regard that they would make offerings to it during harvesting. They would take the latex and use it to remove warts, treat cold sores and other skin problems. A concoction could also be made from the flower to treat congestion from the cold or the flu. The seeds can also be used as an emetic to induce vomiting or as a laxative or even as a mild sedative. The entire plant can also be used to treat bladder infection, prostate pain, or to help the throbbing pain of a migraine. A wash made from the tea can also be used to help heal sunburns or scraped skin. The plant is also smoked during some important ceremonies to induce a euphoric and mild sedating effect. However, if not used properly, the plant can be very toxic.

== References ==