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Opuntia engelmannii

Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Plant photo of: Opuntia engelmannii
Information by: Kathleen Moore        Photographer:

 

Description

Evergreen shrublike cactus grows at a moderate rate to 4' x 8'. Pads are medium green and covered in white-gray spines. Showy yellow flowers appear spring to early summer and are followed by dark red fruits. Birds relish the fruits. Accepts reflected sun. Native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.

 

Plant Type

Cactus

Height Range

3-6'

Width Range

6-12'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Red

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Clay

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Dry

Soil pH

Basic

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, With Rocks

Special Uses

Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.

Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers