Crested Pricklypoppy
Argemone polyanthemos
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, KS, MT, ND and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Crested pricklypoppy is an annual wildflower that produces large, showy white flowers from June through August. The plant has spiny stems and leaves with a somewhat thistle-like appearance, growing 1-3 feet tall in full sun conditions. It thrives in low-water gardens and poor soils where many other plants struggle.
In an HOA neighborhood
Crested Pricklypoppy takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spiny appearance looks weedy to many homeowners
- Common name includes 'prickly' which sounds undesirable
- Annual lifecycle means gaps in landscape coverage
Wildlife value
The large white blooms attract native bees and beetles during summer months. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators in dry landscape areas.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Crested Pricklypoppy fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.