Photo by Karl Gercens III
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Opuntia microdasys
Also Known As
- Opuntia macrocalyx
- Opuntia microdasys var. 'Gold'
- Bunny Ears Cactus
- Polka Dot Cactus
- Polka Dot Cactus
Plant type
cactus / succulent
size
- H: 2'-3'
- W: 4'-6'
planting zones
- 8b-12
Opuntia microdasys plant details
Opuntia microdasys is an evergreen cactus / succulent with gold and green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by purple and red fruit. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade 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 microdasys
- Plant type: cactus / succulent
- Plant family: cactaceae
- Foliage: evergreen gold and green
- Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
- Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
- Uses: container plant, desert garden, houseplant, rock garden, xeric
GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia microdasys
- USDA Zones: 8b - 12
- Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
- 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
By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens
Garden photo gallery of Opuntia microdasys
By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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By: Sadambio
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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By: Tangopaso
I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In some countries this may not be legally possible; if so: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.
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Gardening facts about Opuntia microdasys plant
How to Grow Opuntia microdasys
Sun Exposure
- sun - bright shade
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant
Features
Foliage Color
- gold
- green
Flower Color
- yellow
Wildlife
- bees
- hummingbirds
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Fruit
- red
- purple
Flower Season
- summer
- spring
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Opuntia for your garden
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)
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
8a-9a
Size
Height: 12"
Width: 12"
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Plains Prickly Pear
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
5a-9b
Size
Height: 12"
Width: 12"
- sun
- occasional - low
- dry in winter
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
5a-10b
Size
Height: 15"
Width: 48"
- sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
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