An upright plant with large white flowers and very spiny stems and leaves.
Erect perennial to 4 feet tall. Prickly stems, leaves and seed capsules. Orange latex. Clasping bluish-green leaves are divided into sharp, tooth-like lobes. Large white solitary flowers at ends of branches have yellow centers.
Habitat
Grows abundantly in overgrazed or otherwise disturbed soils such as along highways. Likes mesas and washes.
Flower Characteristics
Flowers to 5 inches wide with 4 to 6 slightly cupped, tissue-paper thin, slightly overlapping, crinkled petals and numerous bright orange stamens.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are spiny, deeply lobed, lance-shaped and clasp the stem, uppermost leaves sometimes clasping. When cut, the stem oozes an orange latex substance.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Bumpy, spiny, oblong, erect green capsule, 1 to 2 inches long, which turns brown.
Tiny, pitted dark seeds.