Opuntia pusilla [Gold spined form]

Also Known As

Opuntia drummondii
Opuntia macateei
Opuntia pes-corvi
Opuntia tracyi
Creeping Cactus
Little Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 2"-3"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Opuntia pusilla [Gold spined form] plant details

Opuntia pusilla [Gold spined form] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia pusilla [Gold spined form]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 2 IN - 3 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia pusilla [Gold spined form]

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Diminutive, mat-forming prickly pear from the Gulf Coast to the lower Carolinas, found most often in coastal sand dunes with 2" flattened pads, yellow flowers, and, in this form, golden spines, making a most attractive, fast-growing garden or container plant. Pads easily detach and can be shared purposely or not. Frost hardy in low USDA zone 7, possibly zone 6. Quite moisture tolerant as well.