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
aka Opuntia cycloides, Prickly Pear Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-11
Size
Height: 4'-6'
Width: 6'-10'
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Prickly Pear
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-11
Size
Height: 1'-3'
Width: 3'-8'
- sun - bright shade
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Opuntia potsii var. montana, Opuntia pottsii, Opuntia pottsii var. montana, Prickly Pear Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
4a-10b
Size
Height: 4"-15"
Width: 20"-30"
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Opuntia subarmata, Prickly Pear Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-10b
Size
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 5'-8'
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Beavertail Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-10b
Size
Height: 1'-2'
Width: 3'-4'
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
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