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Pancake Prickly Pear

Opuntia chlorotica

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Pancake Prickly Pear

In stock

3-8'x3-8'

Sizes:

Pancake Prickly Pear – Opuntia chlorotica

Also known as: Pancake Cactus, Flapjack Cactus

The pads of this distinctive prickly pear are almost perfectly round, giving rise to its common name. Opuntia chlorotica is typically found growing on very steep hillsides and is widespread across the deserts and uplands of the southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, as well as parts of northern Mexico.

This species forms an erect shrub or small tree reaching 3 to 8 feet tall and nearly as wide, with a stout trunk and ascending branches. Pads are round, measuring 5 to 8 inches long, and vary in color from gray-green to blue-green. Its areoles contain numerous yellow glochids and often several golden spines; however, spines may be sparse or entirely absent in some individuals. The glochids, though small, are always present and require caution when handling. This cactus produces showy yellow flowers in spring, followed by fleshy, purple-tinged fruits that are relished by desert wildlife.

Pancake Prickly Pear makes an attractive ornamental due to its upright form and colorful pads, especially when contrasted with rock outcroppings or companion desert plants. It is highly drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun, and prefers well-draining soil.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for generalist pollinators including native bees, beetles, and butterflies.
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar; Seeds; Cavity; Nest
Bird Species: Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus); Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Mojave Desert; Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

3-8'x3-8'

Growth rate:

Moderate

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:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

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.