Black-Spine Prickly Pear

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.