Meconopsis horridula, the prickly blue poppy, is a flowering plant from the family Papaveraceae.

The plant is monocarpic (it produces seeds and dies) with a plump taproot.

The adaxial and abaxial surface of the leaf is covered with yellowish or purplish spines that grow from purple wart-like structures.

These plants can be grown in slightly shaded or sunny, cool areas, in meadows and rocky regions.

Since they grow on high altitudes, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -10 degrees F. The flower color is not affected by the alkalinity of the soil.

[1] Meconopsis horridula is used for ornamental and horticultural purposes but considering the monocarpic nature of the plant, it is difficult to cultivate.

When cultivated, the basal leaves die and a dormant bud is left behind along with a tap root.

[1] The seeds germinate when sown in mild heat conditions or a warm bright spot under the sun.

Germination of seeds is slow but reliable when sown in a cool place during spring.

Meconopsis horridula is used in Chinese traditional herbal medicine because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities.

[4] Although one plant produces many seeds, germination is low in natural and laboratory settings.