General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Shrub
Cactus/Succulent
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Leaves: Other: Green leaves present on emerging growth. They are replaced by spines (modified leaves) on mature growth.
Fruiting Time: Other: Does not produce fruit.
Flowers: Showy
Flower Time: Other: Does not flower.
Suitable Locations: Xeriscapic
Uses: Erosion control
Groundcover
Will Naturalize
Resistances: Deer Resistant
Drought tolerant
Propagation: Seeds: Needs specific temperature: 68-86 degrees
Start indoors
Can handle transplanting
Other info: Seeds may be extremely slow to germinate
Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem
Layering
Other: Individual pads form new plants; they must dry and callous for 10 days before planting
Containers: Needs excellent drainage in pots
Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil
With thorns/spines/prickles/teeth

Image
Common names
  • Central Pricklypear
  • Prickly Pear
Botanical names
  • Accepted: Opuntia polyacantha
  • Synonym: Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha

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Location: Red Butte Garden, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Date: 2024-05-11

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