Japanese name: シロアザミゲシ（白薊罌粟） Scientific name:Argemone hispida
[Overview]
A perennial about 60 cm tall.
In its native range it grows in arid regions.
Orange sap comes out when the stems or leaves are damaged.
The whole plant is densely covered with spines and stiff bristles.
Leaves are simple and alternate; those on the lower part of the stem are moderately pinnately lobed, and those on the upper part are shallowly lobed.
The leaves have white markings along the veins.
The leaf margins have sharp, strong spines.
The leaves on the upper part of the stem clasp the stem at the base.
A single flower is borne at the tip of the stem.
The flowers are about 7–10 cm across and white, with 4–6 petals.
The petals fall easily.
There are many stamens, and the stigma spreads radially.
The fruit is a capsule densely covered with spines.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It multiplies readily by self-sown seed.
It has a taproot and dislikes transplanting, so sow directly.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, dry site.
It is tolerant of dryness and weak in heat and humidity, so water after the soil has dried.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
