Oputia polacantha
Common Name(s):
Plains pricklypear
Hairspine cactus
Synonym:
Tunas polycantha
Panhandle pricklypear
Flower:
Magenta
Blooms :
Apr
to:
Jun
Flower about 3" broad with many yellow sepals and numerous stamens
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Cactaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Stems are flattened into pads that are covered with aeroles that have bristles and spines
Fall Color?
YES
Green
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Evergreen cactus
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Western North America and Mexico
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
2-3'
Spread:
2-6'
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Dry deserts
Soil:
Easily grown in dry soils that are well drained.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Does not require fertilization
Mulch:
Coarse gravel, pea gravel, stone chippings
Provide full sun, plant in gritty well-drained soil, keep completely dry in winter
Long Term:
Winter:
Needs bone dry soil, and full sunshine
Spring:
Cleaning up winter damage, preparing soil for summer by watering if extrmely dry
Summer:
Ample sunshine, watering every 2-3 weeks if dry, need gritty soil
Fall:
Stop watering
General Care Comments:
Thrives on neglect, full sun, fast draining rocky soil, occassional watering
Common Problems
Uncontained spread, glochid injuries, root rot
Diseases:
Occasonal Cochineal scale, root rot
Insects:
Cochineal scale, cactus bugs,
Environmental Problems:
uncontrolled spread, injuries to animals
Pests:
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