Prickly Pear Cactus

Botanical Name

Opuntia compressa

Min Zone

Max Zone

Height

8 to 12 inches

Width

12 to 18 inches

Flowers

Early summer: yellow

Fruit

Dark red 1 inch, oblong

Light

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained, dry

Planting & Care

New plants can be propogated by placing the pads in moist sand
Be carefull when gardening around these plants as the thin, reddish-brown hairs found in bundles along the surface can easily become loged in the skin
Plants will become shriveled and begin to lie down as the plants withdraw water in preparation for winter

Problems