Prickly Poppy Seeds|Chicalote|Argemone munita|Desert Wildflower|Gardening|Organic|California Native Plant|Native seeds|Southwestern Wildflow

Argemone munita is a species of prickly poppy known by the common names flatbud prickly poppy and chicalote. This flower is native to California, where it is widespread throughout the western part of the state and its eastern deserts. Its range also extends into Baja California.

This poppy bears its flowers on erect, spiny stems which can exceed a meter in height. The mint-green lobed leaves are also very prickly. The white poppy blooms have usually six crinkly petals, each up to 4 centimeters long. The center of the flower is surrounded by a dense ring of up to 250 small yellow stamens bearing the pollen. The fruits are spiny white capsules 3 to 5 centimeters long, each containing many small seeds.

The Chicalote poppy grows best in its natural zone and commonly grows in dry rocky areas and found at elevations up to 10,000 feet. The flower typically grows in chaparral and blooms June through August. Requires fast-draining gravelly/sandy soil, full sun and very light watering. Packet will contain 15 seeds.