Plains Pricklypear

Opuntia polyacantha

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Cactus or Succulent

Plant Family: Cactaceae

Plant Description: Cold hardy, perennial cactus. Forms rounded clumps with large fleshy stems and numerous spines. Produces large yellow flowers in May to June, followed by dark red fruit. Do not overwater.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Cactus

Plant Care: Cacti (succulent plants with spines instead of true leaves): Remove dead or damaged stems. Prune as necessary to retain a desirable shape. Avoid overwatering.

Video: Cleaning and Pruning Cacti - Spring Cleanup

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 6-12" tall and wide

Utah Native: Yes

Nativar: No

Plant Select: Unknown

Pollinator Favorite: Yes

Localscapes: Infill Plant

Evergreen: Yes

Foliage Interest: Yes

Foliage Colors: Blue-Green, Green

Bloom Colors: Yellow

Bloom Seasons: Late Spring

Bloom Period: May - Jun

Erosion Control: No

Ground Cover: No

Edible: Yes

Fire Wise: Yes

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10

Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)

Irrigation Requirement:

Very Low (Water to Establish)

Salt Tolerant: Unknown

Deer Tolerant: Yes

Garden Location:

Planting Path
- Nursery Shopping

Garden Staff Tips & Insights:

Edibility notes: Opuntia, also called prickly pear cacti, have edible fruits and pads, but both must be handled carefully, and the spines must be removed before consumption. One of the most common ways to remove the spines is with a blowtorch, but a vegetable peeler can also be used to remove the prickly skin. The fruits can be enjoyed raw or made into drinks, jams, and jellies. The pads, also called nopales, are commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

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Summer
Fall
Winter