Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie
Plant Characteristics
Growth Form
Cactus & Succulent
Height
1
to
2
ft.
Spread
2
to
4
ft.
Leaf Retention
Evergreen
Lifespan
Perennial
Habitat and Care Requirements
Soil Type(s)
Sand, Loam, Clay, Caliche
Light Requirement
Sun, Part Shade
Water Requirement
Low
Native Habitat
Grassland
Bloom and Attraction
Bloom Color
Red, Orange, Yellow
Bloom Season
Spring
Seasonal Interest
Fruit
Wildlife Benefit
Bees
Maintenance
Little maintenance required. Late winter prune pads away from sidewalks and patios. The spread of this plant can be limited by removing fallen pads. Propagation: fallen pads are easily transplanted by sticking the base in contact with soil, seeds.
Comments
Blooms April-June. Can reach 6′ tall. Needs well-drained soil. May become shrub-like; both pads and fruits are edible. Red to purple fruit called “Tuna”. Spineless varieties exist. Important plant for native bees. Most cacti of the genus Opuntia have sharp spines as well as tiny barbed bristles called glochids that can be difficult to remove from the skin. Pollination: Bees, nectar insects.