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Native Plant Society of Texas

Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii

Other common name(s):

Cactus Apple

Family:

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Western Cross Timbers
Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift
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, Dry

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, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Small Mammals, Nectar Insects, Deer, Bees

Maintenance

Little maintenance required. Needs well-drained soil. Late winter prune pads away from sidewalks and patios. The spread of this plant can be limited by removing fallen pads. Spineless varieties exist. Propagation: transplant pads, seed.

Comments

Blooms April-June. Shrub-like form, erect or spreading. Pads are green to blue-green, round to oval, They have sharp spines as well as tiny barbed bristles called glochids that can be difficult to remove from the skin. The flowers form along the edge of the pad with petals that vary from yellow to yellow-orange to red. Red to purple fruit is called a “Tuna”.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Transplant Fallen pads are easily transplanted by sticking the base in contact with soil. Proper handling is crucial to avoid injury from spines and glochids. Rotting can be a problem if cuttings aren’t properly dried before planting. Use a sharp, clean knife or shears to remove a healthy pad (cladode). Allow the cut end to callous over for a few days to a week in a dry, shaded area. Plant the cutting in well-draining cactus potting mix, ensuring only the base is buried. Avoid overwatering. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-opuntia-engelmannii/
Seed Scarification Seed germination of Opuntia engelmannii is possible, but it’s known to be challenging and slow. The hard seed coat requires scarification to improve germination rates. This can be achieved through mechanical means (e.g., gently nicking the seed coat with a file) or chemical means (e.g., brief immersion in concentrated sulfuric acid – proceed with extreme caution and follow specific instructions if attempting this method). Sow seeds in a well-draining cactus potting mix, ensuring good drainage. Maintain consistent warmth (around 70-80°F) and avoid overwatering. Consider using a humidity dome to enhance germination. Stratification (a period of cold, moist storage) may not be necessary, but a period of warm storage can have a beneficial effect. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-opuntia-engelmannii/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason