Cactus
Plains Prickly Pear
Opuntia polyacantha
Waxy yellow-to-pink blooms and edible fruit on a cactus hardy far into the north.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Edible
- Evergreen
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–9
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 6–18 in. tall × 2–4 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Waxy yellow (sometimes pink or magenta) flowers in late spring and early summer
- Plant type
- Cactus
- Native range
- Native across the Great Plains and interior West, from Canada to Texas and Arizona
Why we recommend it
One of the cold-hardiest cacti in North America, with big silky flowers that bees love and spreading pads that thrive where nothing else will.
Best regions: Front RangeGreat BasinHigh DesertGreat Plains
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Plant pads or rooted plants in late spring; water lightly every 2–3 weeks the first summer, then never.
Pruning
Remove pads with tongs to control spread; pads root easily to share.
Soil
Sandy, gravelly or rocky soil with fast drainage.
Pairs well with
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Where to buy
Shop Plains Prickly Pear from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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