Photo by Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea
Also Known As
- Opuntia erinacea ursina
- Grizzly Bear Cactus
- Grizzlybear Cactus
Plant type
cactus / succulent, groundcover
size
- H: 1'-2'
- W: 6'-10'
planting zones
- 4b-10b
Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea plant details
Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by purple 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 gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea
- Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
- Plant family: cactaceae
- Foliage: evergreen green
- Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
- Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
- Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric
GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea
- USDA Zones: 4b - 10b
- Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
- 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
By: Cactus Jungle
Garden photo gallery of Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea
By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
By: Stan Shebs
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
Gardening facts about Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea plant
How to Grow Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea
Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
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
- green
Flower Color
- yellow
Wildlife
- bees
- hummingbirds
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Fruit
- purple
Flower Season
- summer
- spring
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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