Plains Pricklypear
Opuntia polyacantha
Also listed as Tunas polyacantha
Also known as Starvation Pricklypear, Starvation Cactus, Hairspine Pricklypear
Climate Match for your location
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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.
Why grow it
Plains pricklypear tolerates colder climates and harsher conditions than many Opuntia species, making it suitable for northern and semi-arid regions where tender prickly pears struggle. It produces edible fruits with minimal inputs once established, and the flat pads are useful for erosion control, wildlife habitat, or casual harvest. Compared to spineless cultivars, this species' spines require more careful handling but offer better cold hardiness and typically lower maintenance.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from occasional watering during establishment, typically their first growing season. Space plants generously to allow air circulation and reduce fungal issues in humid climates. The spines are sharp enough to cause injury during handling and harvest, so wear protective gloves and long sleeves. Fruit production is often lighter in areas with late spring frosts that damage early flowers.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Great Plains, North America
Native to: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Plains Pricklypear grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Plains pricklypear tolerates colder climates and harsher conditions than many Opuntia species, making it suitable for northern and semi-arid regions where tender prickly pears struggle. It produces edible fruits with minimal inputs once established, and the flat pads are useful for erosion control, wildlife habitat, or casual harvest. Compared to spineless cultivars, this species' spines require more careful handling but offer better cold hardiness and typically lower maintenance.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from occasional watering during establishment, typically their first growing season. Space plants generously to allow air circulation and reduce fungal issues in humid climates. The spines are sharp enough to cause injury during handling and harvest, so wear protective gloves and long sleeves. Fruit production is often lighter in areas with late spring frosts that damage early flowers.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Great Plains, North America
Native to: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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