Photo by Stephen Buchan
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
Opuntia pilifera
Also Known As
- Cocoche Loco
- Nopal Crinado
Plant type
tree, shrub, cactus / succulent
size
- H: 4'-15'
- W: 3'-10'
planting zones
- 9a-12
Opuntia pilifera plant details
Opuntia pilifera is an evergreen cactus / succulent, shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer purple and red flowers emerge followed by red 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 average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia pilifera
- Plant type: cactus / succulent, shrub or tree
- Plant family: cactaceae
- Foliage: evergreen green
- Mature size: 3 FT - 10 FT - wide, 4 FT - 15 FT - tall
- Flowers: purple and red blooms in spring and summer
- Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, tropical, xeric
GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia pilifera
- USDA Zones: 9a - 12
- Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
- Watering frequency: occasional - low
- Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
- Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained
Garden photo gallery of Opuntia pilifera
By: Stephen Buchan
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
View Original Photo
Gardening facts about Opuntia pilifera plant
How to Grow Opuntia pilifera
Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- red
- purple
Wildlife
- bees
- hummingbirds
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Fruit
- red
Flower Season
- spring
- summer
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Opuntia for your garden
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
4a-9b
Size
Height: 6"
Width: 6"
- sun
- occasional - low
- dry in winter
![Photo of Opuntia fragilis x polyacantha (?) [Nyssa, Oregon] by plant lust](https://d3bbsv6h7qkr8y.cloudfront.net/e7/f0/e7f084cdbc79f0edb98a43aabab69b50.webp)
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
4a-10a
Size
Height: 6"
Width: 18"
- sun
- occasional - low
- dry in winter
aka Opuntia whipplei 'Snow Leopard'
Plant Type
Shrub, Cactus / Succulent
Zones
5a-10a
Size
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 3'-4'
- sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Cylindropuntia whipplei 'Trumball Pink', Opuntia whipplei [Trumball Pink]
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
4a-10a
Size
Height: 2'-5'
Width: 3'-6'
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
![Photo of Cylindropuntia whipplei [Trumball Pink] foliage by plant lust](https://d3bbsv6h7qkr8y.cloudfront.net/2e/ba/2eba32f4b9b67865a4e61c143fc293c8.webp)
aka Opuntia erinacea var. columbiana
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent, Groundcover
Zones
5a-10b
Size
Height: 6"-8"
Width: 24"-36"
- sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved