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Plains Pricklypear

Opuntia polyacantha

The Plains Pricklypear is a fun cactus that grows in the wild! It has flat pads and bright yellow flowers that turn into tasty fruits called prickly pears.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Plains Pricklypear has flattened, oval-shaped green pads covered in numerous sharp spines and tiny barbed glochids. Its striking yellow flowers, sometimes tinged with red, blossom from the edges of these pads. The plant often forms dense, low-growing clumps.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusOpuntia
Plains Pricklypear
flowering trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgethorny_stem trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
Plains Pricklypear

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Each spine on its pads is actually a modified leaf, hardened for protection!

Its fruits, called "tunas," are sweet and often purple or red!

Some Plains Pricklypears can grow to be over 20 years old!

Tiny, hair-like barbs called glochids are super tricky to remove from skin!

Special abilities

Ability

Water Storage Pads

Plains Pricklypear has thick, succulent pads that store water, helping it survive long droughts.

Ability

Spine Defense

Its sharp spines and tiny glochids protect it from hungry animals looking for a watery snack.

Ability

Deep Roots

Plains Pricklypear has an extensive root system that effectively soaks up precious water from dry soils.

Measurements & details

Height
10-60 cm
Spread
50-200 cm
Flower Size
4-8 cm
Bloom Season
Late Spring to Early Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Javelina

Pecari tajacu

fruit and pads provide vital water and food.

eaten by

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Cynomys ludovicianus

consumes pads and roots.

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

gathers nectar and pollen from flowers.

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

efficiently pollinates its vibrant blooms.

Traits

Also known as

Cactus PearPrickly Pear

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to touch the spines on the cactus; they can be sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Plains Pricklypear?

10-60 cm

How wide does Plains Pricklypear spread?

50-200 cm

How big are the flowers on Plains Pricklypear?

4-8 cm

When does Plains Pricklypear bloom?

Late Spring to Early Summer

Is Plains Pricklypear edible?

Yes

Is Plains Pricklypear toxic?

Mild

What is Plains Pricklypear's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Plains Pricklypear pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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