Plains Pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha)

Opuntia polyacantha

Plains Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) is a succulent, perennial shrub found in sunny prairie grasslands and on dry hillsides at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,500 feet. Prickly pear cacti are easy to identify because there are limited numbers of cacti of its size in Colorado. It is forms clumps of oval pads, each of which can grow to be six centimeters long and contain rows of sharp spines. Its flowers bloom copper, yellow, or pink in May and June.

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Leaf Color: Green
Fruit Color: Red

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

Native Distribution: Western Great Plains, into the foothills & lower mts. of the West
Native Habitat: Dry grasslands, badlands & eroded areas

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Clay loams or rocky soils.