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Opuntia ficus-indica

Indian Fig Prickly Pear

Plant photo of: Opuntia ficus-indica
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

This Opuntia is more tree-like than other types; it grows to15' tall. It usually has no spines but some glochids can be found. Flowers are yellow to orange in late spring and early summer. Fruit is edible. It does best in full sun and is frost sensitive. It needs well drained soil. The major pest and source of the red dye cochineal comes from a scale.

 

Plant Type

Succulent, Cactus

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

Flower Color

Orange, Yellow

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Purple, Red, Yellow

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Swimming Pool, With Rocks

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.