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Desert Prickly Pear

Opuntia phaecantha

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Desert Prickly Pear

In stock

3'x8'

Sizes:

Desert Prickly Pear – Opuntia phaeacantha
Also known as: Brown-spine Prickly Pear, Tulip Prickly Pear

Desert Prickly Pear is one of the most widespread prickly pear cacti in the southwestern United States, lower Great Plains, and northern Mexico. Locally, it is found at higher elevations above 3500 feet, such as along Highway 74 and in the Mojave Desert. Like many members of the Opuntia genus, it readily hybridizes with related species, contributing to its variability in form and color.

This sprawling cactus forms low, irregular clumps or dense thickets. It has large, flattened, blue-green pads typically adorned with dark brown spines. The vivid, tulip-like flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are usually bright yellow with reddish-orange centers. Following flowering, the plant produces juicy, thumb-sized, red-purple fruits (tunas) that ripen as early as May in low elevations and can persist into the winter.

Well-adapted to arid climates, O. phaeacantha thrives in sandy or well-drained soils, full sun, and warmth. It is highly drought-tolerant and resilient to neglect. During the growing season, occasional watering encourages better flowering and fruit production, but it prefers to remain mostly dry during winter dormancy. Use this cactus in habitat gardens, rocky landscapes, or as a natural barrier to deter foot traffic.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for 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:

California; Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

3'x8'

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring - Summer

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

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.