black-spine prickly pear
Opuntia macrocentra
USDA zones6 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall3 to 6 feet wide
- Habit
- Cactus/succulent
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Red , yellow
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Black-spine prickly pear (Opuntia macrocentra) is a succulent for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Light yellow flowers with red centers peak in April, and round red or orange fruit follows. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Birds visit the plant.
Pairs well with Soap aloe, Kiwi aeonium, and Stonecrop.
Native range
AZ, NM, and TX.