Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus, Blind Pear, Blind Prickly Pear, Cow Blinder

Opuntiarufida

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Species
rufida (ROO-fee-duh)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Gold (yellow-orange)
Pale Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Phoenix, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona(2 reports)

Apple Valley, California

Hesperia, California

Livermore, California

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

San Antonio, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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S
Oklahoma City, OK | May 2009 | positive

Beautiful lime green pads with red glochids, rots easily so it needs very good drainage but has made it here in zone 7 through two winter...Read More

T
Tucson, AZ (Zone 9a) | January 2005 | positive

This prickly pear seems oblivious to poor soil conditions. It's thriving in a local area where several other opuntia are suffering. ...Read More

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Blurry Chocolate Angle Moth
(Macaria transitaria)
Western Sandpiper
(Calidris mauri)