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Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Opuntia Engelmannii

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Overview

Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia engelmannii) is a resilient cactus, ideal for arid landscapes. Featuring flat, fleshy pads up to 16 inches long, this species bears showy yellow flowers, transitioning to purple-tinged, edible fruits. Hardy in zones 8-11, it thrives in full sun with minimal water, reaching 4-6 feet in height and spreading equally wide. Its low maintenance nature and drought tolerance make it a practical, attractive choice for water-wise gardens.

Sun FullWater LowZones 9–10Type CactusClimate Arid
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia engelmannii) is a resilient cactus, ideal for arid landscapes

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Cactus
Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (125)

Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — Its architectural form and resilient nature make it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens; it, image 103
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — paddle-shaped segments called cladodes
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — typical of its native arid landscapes.<br><br>Characteristically; cactus for full, image 93
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — This species thrives in USDA zones 8 through 11; paddle-shaped segments called cladodes
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — scientifically named Opuntia engelmannii; cactus with yellow blooms, image 62
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — allowing each plant about 4 to 6 feet apart to accommodate their growth and ease maintenance
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — allowing each plant about 4 to 6 feet apart to accommodate their growth and ease maintenance; drought-tolerant
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — and desert-themed landscapes, image 50
Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — and they can sometimes exhibit red or purple hues at their base; these blue-green pads are covered, image 99
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Opuntia Engelmannii
Photographs by 7 contributors

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