Opuntia Species, Grizzly Bear Cactus, Hedgehog Prickly Pear, Mohave Prickly Pear, Oldman Cactus
Opuntiaerinacea

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Species: erinacea (er-in-uh-SEE-uh)

Synonym:Opuntia hystricina

Synonym:Opuntia ursina

Synonym:Opuntia erinacea var. erinacea

Synonym:Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea

Category
Perennials
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

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)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
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)

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Pink
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring

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