Opuntia vulgaris (Common Prickly Pear Cactus)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciesvulgaris
SynonymsCactus humifusus (basionym), Opuntia humifusa var. humifusa, Opuntia humifusa subsp. humifusa, Opuntia compressa, Opuntia humifusa
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginThe United States of America including Montana, New Mexico, the Florida Keys, Connecticut and New York.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-35 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)-30 - 30
Height0.3 m
Spread100 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLow-growing perennial cactus.
CultivationNeeds full sun and very little water. Can be grown in a garden but also does well in a pot. When repotting, the soil must be dry. To repot, knock away old soil from roots, treat any cuts with fungicide, then place in new pot and backfill with potting soil. Do not water for a brief period after repotting to avoid root rot.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionFlattened stems that are formed out of segments. Barbed bristles grow on the segment surfaces.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are 6 cm in diameter and grow along the margins of mature segments.
Fruit DescriptionEdible fruits grow up to 5 cm long and remain on the cactus until the next spring.
Colour DescriptionStems are green. Flowers range from yellow to gold, sometimes with red centres. Ripe fruit are red.
Texture DescriptionFlowers are waxy. Segments are smooth with sharp bristles.

Photographs