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Brittle Pricklypear

Opuntia fragilis

The Brittle Pricklypear is a small cactus that loves sunny places! It has flat pads and pretty yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. This cactus can grow in rocky areas and is very special because it can survive in tough conditions.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Brittle Pricklypear has small, flattened, oval-shaped pads that form low, sprawling clumps, often tinged with purple in cool weather. It displays vibrant yellow, sometimes orange, cup-shaped flowers. Its pads are noticeably smaller and more fragile than other pricklypear cacti.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusOpuntia
Brittle Pricklypear
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badgesucculent trait badge
Brittle Pricklypear

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its name, its fruit (a 'tuna') is sweet and juicy when ripe!

If a pad breaks off, it can roll in the wind to a new spot and grow roots!

It holds the record as the cactus found farthest north in Canada!

Its name 'brittle' comes from how easily its pads break off with just a touch!

Special abilities

Ability

Snap-Off Spreader

Brittle Pricklypear has pads that easily detach, allowing them to root and grow new plants quickly, spreading its territory.

Ability

Desert Drink Storage

This cactus can store lots of water in its thick, succulent pads, helping it survive long periods without rain.

Ability

Invisible Needle Defense

It has tiny, hair-like spines called glochids that easily embed in skin, making it unpleasant for predators to eat.

Ability

Arctic Armor

Brittle Pricklypear is one of the most cold-hardy cacti, able to survive freezing temperatures in northern climates.

Measurements & details

Height
5-30 cm
Spread
30-150 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Spring-summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits bright yellow flowers for nectar.

pollinates

Common eastern bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Busy collecting pollen from its blooms.

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer browse its pads, despite the spines.

eaten by

Deer mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus

Eats its small, sweet fruits and sometimes pads.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful around cacti! Their spines can poke you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Brittle Pricklypear?

5-30 cm

How wide does Brittle Pricklypear spread?

30-150 cm

How big are the flowers on Brittle Pricklypear?

2-3 cm

When does Brittle Pricklypear bloom?

Spring-summer

Is Brittle Pricklypear edible?

Yes

Is Brittle Pricklypear toxic?

Mild

What is Brittle Pricklypear's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Brittle Pricklypear pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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