Home / Guides / Plant Files / Cactaceae

Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus, El Paso Pricklypear, Sand Pricklypear

Opuntiaarenaria

Upload Image Print Article
Opuntia arenaria by Xenomorf
Upload Image Print Article
Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Info
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Info
Species
arenaria (ar-en-AR-ee-uh)
Info
Synonym
Opuntia polyacantha var. arenaria
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color

Unknown - Tell us

Where to Grow

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Size

Unknown - Tell us

Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Washington, District of Columbia

View this plant in a garden
One member has or wants this plant for trade

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

Post Comment
1
positive
0
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Post Comment
Sort By:
S
S
safari77
Mount Rainier, MD | February 2014 | positive

Four specimens growing on an extensive greenroof (4", expanded shale) in Washington DC now in their second season having survived the rec...Read More

Popular Plants
SEE ALL
Iris
Peppers
Hydrangeas
Hostas
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Orange Tip Butterfly
(Anthocharis cardamines)
BIRD FILES
Klaas's Cuckoo
(Chrysococcyx klaas)
Quick Links
View All Families
View All Genera
View All Species
Freeze/Frost Dates
PlantFiles FAQ
Plants with no Photos
Contribute to Dave’s Garden
Add a New Plant to the List
Featured
BUG FILES
Orange Tip Butterfly
(Anthocharis cardamines)
BIRD FILES
Klaas's Cuckoo
(Chrysococcyx klaas)