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Photo by Stan Shebs

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Opuntia erinacea var. ursina 'White Lightning'

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

5a-9b

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Opuntia erinacea var. ursina 'White Lightning' plant details

Opuntia erinacea var. ursina 'White Lightning' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. 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 erinacea var. ursina 'White Lightning'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia erinacea var. ursina 'White Lightning'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
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

This from an interesting colony of alluvial fans west of Hawthorne NV, where these shaggy plants illuminate for miles when backlit. This all white spined creature grows to about 18" in height to about 2' in width and adorns itself with light yellow flowers in late Spring. Excellent pot plant or outdoors in very well drained soil and a little artificial lightning storm or two, if not naturally occurring. Full sun for best spines. USDA Zone 5 if not colder.