Home / Guides / Plant Files / Cactaceae

Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus, Spanish Lady

Opuntiatriacantha

Upload Image Print Article
Opuntia triacantha by Xenomorf
Upload Image Print Article
Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Info
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Info
Species
triacantha (try-a-KAN-tha)
Info
Synonym
Opuntia abjecta
Opuntia militaris
Opuntia
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 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
Brown/Bronze
Cream/Tan
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color

Unknown - Tell us

Where to Grow

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Size

Unknown - Tell us

Other details

Unknown - Tell us

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
View this plant in a garden
2 members have or want this plant for trade

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

Post Comment
1
positive
0
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Post Comment
Sort By:
X
X
Xenomorf
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | January 2005 | positive

Very unique color scheme when it comes to flowers on an Opuntia, which are bright yellow turning brownish-yellow and creamy, then turning...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
Yellow Carpet Moth
(Chrysolarentia correlata)
BIRD FILES
White-headed Stilt
(Himantopus leucocephalus)
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
Yellow Carpet Moth
(Chrysolarentia correlata)
BIRD FILES
White-headed Stilt
(Himantopus leucocephalus)