Opuntia Species, Chenille Prickly Pear, Old Man Whiskers
Opuntiaaciculata

Synonym:Opuntia lindheimeri var. aciculata

Synonym:Opuntia engelmannii var. aciculata

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Deciduous

Foliage Color

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
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
Red
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
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds