Opuntia engelmannii

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Engelmann's Prikly 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.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Cactus

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very 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:

Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.

Ask at your local nursery for the types of plants that have minimal watering needs.