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Mojave Prickly Pear

Opuntia erinacea

false

1 gallon

Mojave Prickly Pear

Out of stock

2'x10'

Sizes:

Mojave Prickly Pear – Opuntia erinacea
Synonym: Oputia polyacantha var. erinacea
Also known as: Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear

The Mojave Prickly Pear is a striking, low-growing cactus native to the Mojave and Great Basin deserts. It typically reaches no more than 2 feet in height but can form expansive clumps up to 10 feet wide. Its distinctive appearance comes from a dense covering of spines, which range from short and thick to long and hair-like—even on the same pad. These spines are usually white or pale yellow with reddish bases, and some curve downward while others fan outward in all directions, giving the cactus its “grizzly bear” nickname.

This species thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, especially in rocky or sandy terrain. It is highly cold-tolerant, surviving winter temperatures that drop well below freezing, and is well-suited to high desert gardens. In late spring, O. erinacea produces showy yellow flowers, sometimes tinged with red, followed by reddish-green fruits that are edible but spiny.

Its adaptability, dense form, and colorful seasonal interest make the Mojave Prickly Pear an excellent addition to habitat gardens, erosion control plantings, or xeriscapes.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for generalist desert pollinators including native bees and beetles.
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar; Seeds; Cavity; Nest
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Filtered Sun; Full Sun

Mature size:

2'x10'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

-20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

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.