Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri

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Cow Tongue Prickly Pear

 
Plant photo of: Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer:

 

Description

The pads on this variety are elongated and resemble a tongue. More tolerant of moderate shade than many cacti, but provide good drainage. Old plants sprawl and become large. Beautiful yellow to orange flowers in the spring. Subject to cochineal scale infestations. Prevent by washing off frequently with strong jets of water.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Cactus

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Orange, Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Spanish, Wild Garden

 

Accenting Features

Specimen, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Parking Lot, Roadside, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

n/a

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.

Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.