Opuntia ficus-indica

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Indian Fig

 
Plant photo of: Opuntia ficus-indica
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Information by: Kathleen Moore        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Cactus grows at a moderate rate to 12' x 18'. Usually has no spines. Flowers are yellow to orange and appear in spring. Fruit is edible. Accepts full sun. When this plant is young, the pad (or nopales) are used to make a delicious salsa. This cactus has treelike sculptural qualities.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Cactus

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Orange, Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Purple, Red, Yellow

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Swimming Pool, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Remember to check your irrigation system at least once a month, especially your valves, sprinkler heads, and drip emitters.