Arizona Summer Poppy-Caltrops

I grew some seed I purchased earlier and stored in the refrigerator in a container and they grew into a lovely mass of orange blooms which are still blooming freely in mid August and look like they will continue for a while. The seeds are supposed to be difficult to germinate but our abundant eastern rains probably did the job of removing germination inhibitors pretty well. Its been a warm summer thus far and that is probably to this plant's liking. The seeds form on little beak like structures but are not sharp, and easily removed if you catch them in time to save for another year. It should be grown more often even outside its native area, its a real beauty.

Marjan McPhee, they are the same genus as the sticker weeds. Kind of like siblings, some are nice and others are mean. 😆

Thank you. It is funny because when Az poppies begin to grow, they look like the sticker weeds from when I was kid on the south side. It was hard not to pull them. But alas they are gorgeous.

Wow. I went outside to water & weed, and saw several of these. I wasn't sure what they are, but the word "caltrops" popped into my mind (surprisingly, as I don't have an exceptional memory). I looked it up and, yes, I did order these seeds from Native Seed SEARCH a few years ago, planted them, and forgot about them. So, to those who said they never germinated, be patient. They may surprise you a year or two after you first sowed them. The seeds have a coating that delays germination. Also, these are recommended for LARGE gardens (I have an acre and a quarter); not recommended for smaller yards, as they spread a lot. I looked them up at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower website and also a couple of other online sites. One source said the seeds provide food for doves and quails, and I have both, so that's another benefit. So far, I am thrilled to see these in my yard. If they turn out to be invasive or otherwise undesirable, I will update this review.

Not sure what's eating this plant, but it's down to stems.