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Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntiasulphurea subsp. brachyacantha

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Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Info
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Info
Synonym
Platyopuntia brachyacantha
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness
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-Orange
Pale Yellow
Bright 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

Unknown - Tell us

Where to Grow

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Size

Unknown - Tell us

Other details

Unknown - Tell us

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
View this plant in a garden
2 members have or want this plant for trade

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Xenomorf
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | January 2005 | neutral

The subspecies 'sulfurea' has 2-8 spines per areole and is native to northern Argentina.
The subspecies 'brachyacantha' has 2-6 sp...Read More

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