Argemone corymbosa
Leafy prickly poppy
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda · licence
Family: Papaveraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Argemone corymbosa (Leafy prickly poppy) is a native California herb in the Papaveraceae family, recognized by key leaf texture and lobing differences.
Leafy prickly poppy is a native perennial herb found in the Mojave Desert and southeastern California in dry slopes and flats at elevations of 230 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces white flowers with large petals 20 to 35 millimeters long. Growing with robust stems 20 to 80 centimeters tall, it develops a sturdy, upright form characteristic of desert landscapes. Its leathery leaves are distinctively lobed, with lower leaves divided less than halfway to the midrib, creating an intricate and textured appearance. The plant's striking white flowers and spiny foliage make it a notable inhabitant of arid California ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key leaf texture and lobing differences
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry slopes, flats
Elevation: 230-1200 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Inyo, Riverside, Kern, San Diego, Alpine, Ventura, Tulare, Mono, Tuolumne, Imperial
Bloom period
Argemone corymbosa blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Romneya: Argemone has sharp spines throughout; Romneya is completely unarmed and smooth.; vs Papaver: Argemone is covered in sharp spines; Papaver is unarmed with short hairs or none.; vs Rosa: Argemone spines cover leaves and stems; Rosa has thorns only on stems.; vs Cosmos: Argemone has spiny leaves and stems; Cosmos is completely unarmed.; vs Cistus: Argemone is spiny throughout; Cistus is unarmed and often sticky-hairy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Argemone corymbosa native to California?
Yes. Argemone corymbosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Argemone corymbosa bloom?
Argemone corymbosa blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Argemone corymbosa grow?
Argemone corymbosa occurs in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Inyo, Riverside, Kern, San Diego, Alpine, Ventura and other counties, at elevations of 230-1200 m.
What plant family does Argemone corymbosa belong to?
Argemone corymbosa is in the Papaveraceae family, genus Argemone.
What habitat does Argemone corymbosa grow in?
Argemone corymbosa grows in dry slopes, flats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.