Old Man Prickly Pear

Opuntia Erinacea

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Overview

The Old Man Prickly Pear, or Opuntia erinacea, is a striking cactus native to the Southwest. Characterized by its dense cover of white or yellow spines that resemble an old man's beard, this plant typically reaches 2-3 feet in height. Drought-resistant, it requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It blooms bright yellow flowers in late spring, adding a vibrant touch to arid landscapes.

Sun Full, HalfWater Very LowZones 9–10Climate Arid

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — this plant typically reaches 2-3 feet in height

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — The Old Man Prickly Pear, or Opuntia erinacea, is a striking cactus native to the Southwest

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Drought-resistant, it requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Characterized by its dense cover of white or yellow spines that resemble an old man's beard

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — the cactus earns its name from the grayish-white

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Known for its distinctive spiny exterior and tough demeanor

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — It blooms bright yellow flowers in late spring, adding a vibrant touch to arid landscapes

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Climate: Arid

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Photos (77)

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — this plant typically reaches 2-3 feet in height

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — The Old Man Prickly Pear, or Opuntia erinacea, is a striking cactus native to the Southwest

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Drought-resistant, it requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Characterized by its dense cover of white or yellow spines that resemble an old man's beard

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — the cactus earns its name from the grayish-white

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Known for its distinctive spiny exterior and tough demeanor

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — It blooms bright yellow flowers in late spring, adding a vibrant touch to arid landscapes

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — is a visually captivating species of cactus that excels in arid

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — evoking the image of an elderly gentleman's beard

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — hair-like spines covering its paddle-like pads

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — The cactus typically grows up to 2 to 3 feet in height and can spread equally as wide

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — it is important to consider its mature size

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — the Old Man Prickly Pear is remarkably drought-tolerant once established

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Pads are succulent and typically range from 6 to 12 inches long

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Planting it in areas away from high foot traffic is advisable

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — the Old Man Prickly Pear exhibits yellow to rose-colored flowers

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — During the late spring to early summer

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — or providing a barrier to prevent accidental contact

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — cactus for full or half

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — cactus with pink and yellow blooms

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — pink and yellow flowers in the garden

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — Characterized by its dense cover of white or yellow spines that resemble an old man's beard; ideal for USDA hardiness

Old Man Prickly Pear (Opuntia Erinacea) — The Old Man Prickly Pear, or Opuntia erinacea, is a striking cactus native to the Southwest; drought-resistant, it

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