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Prickly pear, Nopal

Opuntia robusta

Description

The Prickly pear is a large species of cactus with distinctive round pale green to light gray pads. These circular pads can reach 18 in. in dia. and are protected by a grid pattern of long sharp spines. This species can eventually reach 12-15 ft. high.

Prickly pear is native to Mexico and is widely adapted to hot and sunny conditions throughout the Inland Empire. It performs well as a sculptural accent plant in both Mediterranean and southwestern style plantings. It easily grows in containers, raised planters and in rock gardens with other succulents.

Plant Type: Cacti
Foliage Character: Succulent
Habit: Upright, Spreading, Clumping
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage Color: Pale green
Flower Color: Yellow
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Clay
Exposure Adaptations: Heat, Drought, Aridity, All day sun
Function: Wildlife value, Specimen, Slopes, Rock gardens, Flowering accent plant, Container plant
Height: 12 ft. – 15 ft.
Width: 12 ft. – 15 ft.

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