Opuntia engelmannii
Engelmann's Prickly Pear
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:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems.
Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.