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Plains Pricklypear
Opuntia polyacantha
shrub☀️ full sun💧 low water
A low-growing, spreading prickly pear cactus native to the Great Plains, featuring flat, spiny pads and bright yellow flowers followed by edible fruits. Extremely cold-hardy and drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water and care once established.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
Tolerances & Soil
high
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 4a to Zone 9bpH Range
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 7 to 8.8Soil Texture
Seasonality
Bloom Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Season of Interest
SpringSummer
Succession Role
pioneer
Native to the United States
Native Range
Great Plains, North America
Native to: Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas
Function & Care
edibleerosion controlwildlife benefit
Coppicing
Edible Parts
fruitleaf
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation