Prickly Poppy
Argemone albiflora
White or Bluestem Pricklypoppy is native from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas. It is considered native to all of Florida and is found in full sun with poor soil. I have only seen it in rocky soils of the Keys, around Lake Okeechobee and the Dade County Pine Rocklands.
It grows well in our garden in Palm Beach County and although it is an annual, comes back from seed each year. The seed heads can reach three or more feet in height with the average plant around two feet.
This spiny plant should be planted away from walkways and out of the reach of young children. The seeds and other plant parts are poisonous. Although butterflies are not fond of this plant, bees, beetles and other pollinators are. Sometimes these less celebrated pollinators are more interesting than the celebrities.
There is another similar poppy with Yellow flowers called Mexican Pricklypoppy. This is poisonous to humans and livestock and is not considered native to Florida, although some sources say it may be. Click for more info.
We simply plant our White Pricklypoppy three feet or more from our walkway or back in the garden. The white flowers glow at night and the blueish spiny leaves add an interesting texture and color to the garden. People get really excited when they see it in bloom.
For a low maintenance plant that likes full sun and awful soil, this is a winner. Mix with Gaillardia, Silkgrass, Florida and Key Lily, Spiderwort, Goatweed, Native Porterweed, Partridge pea and other tough wildflowers.