Opuntia Species, Brittle Cactus, Fragile Prickly Pear, Loose Prickly Pear

Extremely hardy opuntia, survives down to -40 degrees F. It is one of Washington's 4 native species of cactus. This particular opuntia is...Read More tolerant of extreme heat and drought as well as the cold and wet, as long as drainage is excellent. Found across several areas of desert eastern Washington, as well as some areas of western WA, a place not normally thought of as cactus territory. It is also found on the San Juan Islands! The spines are barbed, so be careful if you are replanting. Blooms yellow. An impressively hardy, and interesting cactus.

i have several different varieties of this cactus, they are all hardy enough to grow all year in northern california (hot dry summers, co...Read Moreld snowy winters) i have ones that get pink, yellow, and white flowers, and a few that have never bloomed, but they are more interesting-looking than the ones with flowers

awful plant to encounter! the spines have barbs, and are impossible to pull out. i find it rather ugly looking. the smaller bristles are ...Read Moreworse than the big spines because they are the exact same, but break when you try to pull them out

This plant grows extensively on NC's Barrier Islands. Incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings. Jointed pads break off readily. EXTREME...Read MoreLY sharp, barbed spines- use gloves when handling. Also beware of the glochids. Being a prickly pear, the plant and fruit are edible. Fruit is kind of sweet.