Opuntia polyacantha [The Embassy]

Also Known As

Plains Pricky Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 8"
W: 20"

planting zones

4a-10b

More Options

Opuntia polyacantha [The Embassy] plant details

Opuntia polyacantha [The Embassy] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia polyacantha [The Embassy]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 20 IN wide, 8 IN tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia polyacantha [The Embassy]

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This species has a huge native range across North America, from Alberta all the way to Mexico. While much variation occurs between local forms, all of them are 'many spined' (polyacantha) and make excellent ornamental plants. This particular form comes to us from a cultivated plant in Pullman, Washington, where it grew adjacent to an apartment complex behind the house I lived in during my college years at WSU (called 'The Embassy'). It doesn't look like the closest local forms of O. polyacantha and may have originally been collected in Idaho or Montana. It is very appealing and easy to grow, with olive green pads that lie down in winter, and showy yellow flowers. Hardy to at least -30 °F.