Prickly Pear

Description
Botanical Name: 
Opuntia

Prickly Pear
Native to the Americas. Opuntias are perhaps the most widely distributed cacti, with a multitude of species. Very bold and sculptural in form. The flat rounded pads usually have two types of spines. Large, smooth, and fixed or small and hairlike, called 'Glochids'. Grow in dense, tangled structures and produce fruit known as 'Tuna', which is edible.

Plant Characteristics
Plant Type: 
Cacti
Flower: 
Yellow, orange, pink, magenta, and red 2" wide
Mature Size: 
2' - 20' x 2' -20'
Water: 
Very low
Exposure: 
Full sun
Spacing: 
2'
Soil Type: 
Loam; rocky; sand; akaline; well drained
Planting Time: 
Any season
Comments

Opuntias are some of the toughest and most tolerant plants in arid climates.