Opuntia Species, Pott's Prickly Pear

Opuntiamacrorhiza var. pottsii

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Synonym
Opuntia ballii
Opuntia delicata
Opuntia filipendula
Opuntia pottsii
Opuntia setispina
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
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
Red
Red-Orange
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
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
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:

Anniston, Alabama

Gadsden, Alabama

Livermore, California

Caballo, New Mexico

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Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
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Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | December 2004 | neutral

Naturally found in the southwestern U.S.
The spines and pads are used medicinally.
The 'macrorhiza' variety has a less waxy...Read More

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