Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form]

Also Known As

Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 5"-18"
W: 24"-36"

planting zones

5b-11

More Options

Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form] plant details

Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 5 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form]

USDA Zones: 5b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This coastal collection vigorously produces bright green, oval pads typical of the species and somewhat untypical, rather heavy, warm yellow flowers and rounded, bright red fruit often holding through the year. Very easy in the garden from dappled shade to sun in almost any drainage. Frost hardy to at least -20F, USDA zone 5. We have used this in multiple containers as well as in rooftop plantings.

By: Cistus Nursery

Small green pads, few spines, yellow flowers. Very vigorous, tolerates wet. This low-growing prickly pear native to sandy soils and undisturbed areas throughout the eastern and central United States has the unique ability to self-dehydrate in winter by forcing water out of its system and back into the soil. When this occurs, the plant loses turgidity and collapses for the winter, coming back like nothing happened when the weather warms in spring. Because of this unique capability, it is one of the most moisture tolerant cacti in existence and will usually grow on normal garden soil with no special care. It is an attractive, vigorous plant producing many forest-green pads with bright yellow spring flowers. Many forms of this species are intolerant of hot climates; however, this collection will stand up to heat as well as cold. Hardy to -10 °F or perhaps much lower.

By: The Desert Northwest

Garden photo gallery of Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form]

Photo of Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form] by plant lust

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By: plant lust

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By: plant lust

Gardening facts about Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form] plant

How to Grow Opuntia humifusa [North Carolina form]

Sun Exposure
- sun - bright shade
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant