brittle prickly pear
Opuntia fragilis
USDA zones4 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Cactus/succulent
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Brittle prickly pear (Opuntia fragilis) is a succulent for borders, containers, and xeriscape gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. It forms a low, matted clump of spiny jointed stems that spreads 12 to 24 inches. Yellow flowers attract bees.
Pairs well with American century plant, Aloe, and Cheddar pink.
Native range
AZ, CA, CO, IA, and 22 more places. See all 26
AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY; AB, BC, MB, ON, and SK.