Argemone mexicana is native to Mexico, Southern and Western United States and other subtropical and tropical areas. This annual plant grows to a height of 60-90cm.
Propagation is by seed. Sow seed directly where it is to grow. Germination is sporadic and requires light.
The herb and flowers are smoked by natives to produce a mild sedating effect. The whole plant can be extracted to product for a opium-substitute, giving it much stronger sedative and analgesic properties.
Active Constituents: Whole plant contains alkaloids at a level of about 0.1%; Stems and seeds: berberine and protopine; Leaves: argemonine; Seeds: sanguinarine (toxic)
