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Plant Database
Plains Pricklypear

Plains Pricklypear

Opuntia polyacantha

shrub☀️ full sun💧 low water Hardy: Zone 4aZone 9b

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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
Spreading
Growth Rate
slow
Size
1–2′ tall × 2–4′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen
Family
Cactaceae

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

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

Companion Planting

Plants well with