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Cows Tongue Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii var linguiformis

true

5 gallon

Cows Tongue Prickly Pear

In stock

6'x10'

Sizes:

Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear – Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis
Synonym: Sometimes considered a form of Opuntia engelmannii

A hardy cactus, Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear is native to the northern parts of Coahuila, Mexico, and the southern U.S. states of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It is well adapted to the arid Southwest, thriving in full sun and well-draining soils, and tolerating both extreme heat and mild cold.

This shrubby or tree-like cactus is named for its distinctive pads, which are wide at the base and taper to a narrower end—resembling a cow's tongue. These flattened stem segments can grow up to 2 feet long, with exceptional specimens reaching 4 feet in length and 7 inches wide. Mature plants may grow 6 feet tall and spread up to 10 feet across, forming a dense, impressive mass. The pads are covered in clusters of short, sharp, yellowish spines and glochids, so care should be taken when planting or handling.

In spring, O. engelmannii var. linguiformis produces large, showy, golden-yellow flowers, which are followed by bright red, spiny fruits that are an important seasonal food source for wildlife. It is drought-tolerant and a good choice for naturalistic desert landscapes, habitat gardens, and erosion control on slopes.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae); generalist native bees and beetles.
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar; Seeds; Cavity; Nest
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

6'x10'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.