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 8–11Climate 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) — It features large, flat, blue-green pads, with contrasting long black spines up to 2 inches long

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) — ideal for xeriscaping in USDA zones 8-10

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) — 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

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 8–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Climate: Arid

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Photos (25)

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — Vibrant yellow blooms with red centers, each about 3 inches across, flourish in spring

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) — This drought-tolerant plant reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads up to 4-5 feet

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — ideal for xeriscaping in USDA zones 8-10

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) — 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) — adding a burst of color to the scenery

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — it produces purple fruits

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — which are both decorative and edible

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — preferring full sun conditions to ensure vigorous growth and optimal flowering

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — This species thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9

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) — which can be a hazard if positioned along pathways or close to communal areas.<br><br>Care-wise

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — When planting this succulent

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — allocate ample space to account for its growth and sharp spines

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — the Black-Spine Prickly Pear is low-maintenance

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — Minimal watering is required once established, mainly during prolonged dry spells

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) — This cactus is a splendid choice for water-conscious landscapes

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — or as a natural security barrier due to its spiny nature

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — red and yellow flowers in the garden

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — cactus / succulent with red and yellow blooms

Black-Spine Prickly Pear (Opuntia Macrocentra) — cactus / succulent for full

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