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Black-Spine Prickly Pear

Opuntia Macrocentra

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Overview

The Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia macrocentra) is a striking cactus native to the Southwestern US and Northern Mexico. It features large, flat, blue-green pads, with contrasting long black spines up to 2 inches long. Vibrant yellow blooms with red centers, each about 3 inches across, flourish in spring. This drought-tolerant plant reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads up to 4-5 feet, ideal for xeriscaping in USDA zones 8-10.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 8–11Type Cactus, SucculentClimate Arid
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — It features large, flat, blue-green pads, with contrasting long black spines up to 2 inches long
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — red and yellow flowers in the gardenBlack-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — which can be a hazard if positioned along pathways or close to communal areas.<br><br>Care-wiseBlack-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — or as a natural security barrier due to its spiny natureBlack-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — cactus / succulent with red and yellow bloomsBlack-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — This robust cactus can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet and spreads approximately 4 to 5 feet wideBlack-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — allocate ample space to account for its growth and sharp spines+38

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
8–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Cactus, Succulent
Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (45)

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — It features large, flat, blue-green pads, with contrasting long black spines up to 2 inches long
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — red and yellow flowers in the garden
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — which can be a hazard if positioned along pathways or close to communal areas.<br><br>Care-wise
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — or as a natural security barrier due to its spiny nature
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — cactus / succulent with red and yellow blooms
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — This robust cactus can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet and spreads approximately 4 to 5 feet wide
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — allocate ample space to account for its growth and sharp spines
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — adding a burst of color to the scenery
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — it produces purple fruits
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — the Opuntia macrocentra blooms with vibrant yellow flowers
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — Its paddle-like segments are typically 6 to 12 inches long and about the same across
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — This cactus is a splendid choice for water-conscious landscapes
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — preferring full sun conditions to ensure vigorous growth and optimal flowering
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — Minimal watering is required once established, mainly during prolonged dry spells
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — cactus / succulent for full
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — When planting this succulent
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — This drought-tolerant plant reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads up to 4-5 feet
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — The Black-Spine Prickly Pear is drought-tolerant, requiring well-draining soil to prevent root rot
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — the Black-Spine Prickly Pear is low-maintenance
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — It features large, flat, blue-green pads, with contrasting long black spines up to 2 inches long; ideal for
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — No pruning is necessary, except for the removal of dead or damaged pads
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — which are both decorative and edible
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — ideal for xeriscaping in USDA zones 8-10
Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — This species thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9
Photographs by 16 contributors

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