Papaver argemone L.

Annual herb; rosette small, tufted; stems ascending, hispid, (5)–20–30–(40) cm tall. Lvs green, (2)–4–8 × 1–3 cm, the lower petiolate, the upper sessile. Lamina broadly ovate to triangular, pinnatifid to 2-pinnatisect, cuneate at base, clothed in long setose hairs especially at segment tips and on midrib and margins beneath. Pedicels (3)–5–15 cm long, with appressed hairs. Sepals hispid, 7–13 × 5–7 mm. Petals red, 1–2.5 × 1–2.5 cm, with or without a dark blotch at base. Capsule clavate, widest in upper ?, ribbed, (10)–15–20 × (3)–4–7 mm, with pale, stiff, bristly spreading hairs. Stigmatic disc 1/2–3/4 width of capsule, conic; rays 4–6.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Oct.–Dec.; Fruiting: Oct.–Dec.