Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntiaammophila

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Species: ammophila (am-oh-FY-luh)

Synonym:Opuntia lata

Synonym:Opuntia turgida

Synonym:Opuntia humifusa var. ammophila

Synonym:Opuntia compressa var. ammophila

Synonym:Opuntia impedata

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Hardiness
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)

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Orange
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time

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

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds