Home / Guides / Plant Files / Cactaceae

Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntiaelatior

Upload Image Print Article
Opuntia elatior by Xenomorf
View Gallery 7 photos
Upload Image Print Article
Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Info
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Info
Species
elatior (ee-LAY-tee-or)
Info
Synonym
Cactus elatior
Opuntia bergeriana
Opuntia megalantha
Opuntia nigricans
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Hardiness
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
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
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

San Leandro, California

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

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

Post Comment
0
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Post Comment
Sort By:
X
X
Xenomorf
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | November 2004 | neutral

Flowers are yellow with reddish or rose stripes.
This species has been distributed all over the world by humankind.

Popular Plants
SEE ALL
Iris
Peppers
Hydrangeas
Hostas
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Bluish Spring Moth
(Lomographa semiclarata)
BIRD FILES
Black-headed Grosbeak
(Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Quick Links
View All Families
View All Genera
View All Species
Freeze/Frost Dates
PlantFiles FAQ
Plants with no Photos
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Bluish Spring Moth
(Lomographa semiclarata)
BIRD FILES
Black-headed Grosbeak
(Pheucticus melanocephalus)