Prickly poppy

The prickly poppy (Papaver argemone) is the earliest to flower of the poppies that grow in disturbed or ploughed soil. Unlike the common poppy, which prefers heavier soils, the prickly poppy is often seen growing in sandy soils, particularly in southern England.

It is smaller and less upright than the common poppy, growing up to 20 inches (50 centimetres) in height. The leaves near the base have stalks and narrow lobes, whereas those higher up are stalkless with longer lobes. The stems have bristles, pressed close to the stem, which are what makes the plant “prickly” as well as the bristles on the lower leaves.

The red flowers, which appear between May and July, are up to 2¼ inches (2-5.5 centimetres) across. The petals are dark at the base and do not overlap. The seed capsule is oblong with thick ridges. It works like a pepper pot, with the seeds being shaken out when the wind blows. The seeds can lie dormant for a number of years, only germinating when the soil is turned over.

The stems, leaves and fruit contain sticky white latex that can be used in small quantities in herbal remedies. However, the alkaloids in the latex are poisonous and grazing animals therefore tend to avoid the plants. This has the result that only the surrounding plants will be eaten, thus leaving spaces for future generations of prickly poppies to colonise.

© John Welford