Oputia polacantha

Plains pricklypear

Hairspine cactus

Panhandle pricklypear

Plant Family:

Cactaceae

Herbaceous Plant, Perennial

Flower:

Yellow

Blooms :

Apr

to:

May

Flower about 3" broad with many yellow sepals and numerous stamens

Botanical Description

Fragrant?

Yes

Foliage:

Green

Evergreen

Stems are flattened into pads that are covered with aeroles that have bristles and spines

Oregon Native?

Yes

West State Native?

Yes

Western North America and Mexico

Site Selection

Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:

4-11

Water Needs:

Sun Needs:

Full Sun

Deer Resistant?

Yes

Firewise?

Yes

Height:

2-3'

Spread:

Growth Rate:

Slow Growing

Native Habitat:

Dry deserts

Soil:

Easily grown in dry soils that are well drained.

Care Recommendations

Maintenance Level:

Low

Fertilizer:

Mulch:

Long Term:

Winter:

Spring:

Summer:

Fall:

Common Problems

None

Diseases:

Occasonal Cochineal scale

Insects:

Cochineal scale

Also called: