Water
Water Argemone subfusiformis sparingly, especially once established. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
In pots, check the top few centimeters of soil for dryness before watering.
Also known as White-Flowered Mexican Poppy
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Argemone subfusiformis, the American-poppy, is a spiny, herbaceous annual or biennial native to North America, known for its yellow flowers and milky sap.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Drought Tolerant
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to High
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures and is generally hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Low Feed
10% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; can be detrimental if overdone.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains alkaloids, can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Argemone subfusiformis sparingly, especially once established. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
In pots, check the top few centimeters of soil for dryness before watering.
Pruning is typically not required for Argemone subfusiformis. If the plant becomes overgrown or unsightly, prune back dead or damaged stems after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser growth.
Wear gloves due to its spiny nature.
Propagate Argemone subfusiformis from seed, sown outdoors in early spring or autumn. Seeds may benefit from scarification or stratification. Germination can be erratic.
Division of established clumps is rarely necessary but can be done in spring.
Repotting is usually only necessary for young plants or those grown in containers. Argemone subfusiformis dislikes root disturbance. Choose a pot with good drainage and repot in spring before new growth begins.
Handle with care to avoid prickles.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American-Poppy (Argemone subfusiformis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Argemone |
| Species | Argemone subfusiformis |
Similar in genus Argemone
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data