Photo of Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form] foliage by Cistus Nursery

Photo by Cistus Nursery

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Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form]

Also Known As

  • Michigan Tiny Form Brittle Pricklypear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 12"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 3a-11

More Options

Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form] plant details

Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 12 IN tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form]

USDA Zones: 3a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This form, from a population in its far northeastern range, indeed Michigan, was found in wind-exposed outcrops or in mats in the mosses and lichens. Each pad is under 1/2" in length and width, often under 1/4", with a slightly blue cap and not many spines. This little prickly pear is best in bright light and quite water tolerant. Has been frost hardy into USDA zone 3. Good container plant for your artic condo. Cactaceae

Gardening facts about Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form] plant

How to Grow Opuntia fragilis [Michigan tiny form]

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous

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
Photo of Opuntia cyclodes form by plant lust
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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
Photo of Opuntia phaeacantha flower, form by Panayoti Kelaidis
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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
Photo of Opuntia macrorhiza ssp. pottsii by plant lust
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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
Photo of Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri flower, foliage by Patricia Cunningham
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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
Photo of Opuntia basilaris flower, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

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