# 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. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 15 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Brittle Pricklypear](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Opuntia_fragilis.jpg&width=800) Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Opuntia_fragilis.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Cactaceae - **Genus:** Opuntia ## 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 - **Snap-Off Spreader:** Brittle Pricklypear has pads that easily detach, allowing them to root and grow new plants quickly, spreading its territory. - **Desert Drink Storage:** This cactus can store lots of water in its thick, succulent pads, helping it survive long periods without rain. - **Invisible Needle Defense:** It has tiny, hair-like spines called glochids that easily embed in skin, making it unpleasant for predators to eat. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — Deer browse its pads, despite the spines. - **Eaten by:** [Deer mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-mouse) (*Peromyscus maniculatus*) — Eats its small, sweet fruits and sometimes pads. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Be careful around cacti! Their spines can poke you. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Brittle Pricklypear? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Colorado National Monument Visitor Center Complex](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/colorado-national-monument-visitor-center-complex) — Colorado, US · National Park - [Painted Hills](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/painted-hills) — Oregon, US · Natural Landmark - [Palisades State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/palisades-state-park) — South Dakota, US · State Park - [Sabine Channel Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sabine-channel-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/navajo-nation-zoological-and-botanical-park) — Arizona, US · Zoo - [Dawson County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dawson-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Brittle Pricklypear](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/brittle-pricklypear) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Brittle Pricklypear: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brittle-pricklypear)