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Riverina Pear

Opuntia elata

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Riverina Pear

In stock

3-10'x3-10'

Sizes:

Riverina Pear – Opuntia elata

Also known as: Elata Prickly Pear, Long-Spined Prickly Pear

Opuntia elata is a fast-growing, shrubby cactus native to Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Uruguay. Though capable of reaching 9–10 feet tall and equally wide in ideal conditions, it is more commonly seen at 3–4 feet in height. This erect, much-branched plant forms upright clusters of green pads with few but formidable spines. The spines are white, straight, and can be up to 3 inches long—easily piercing even thick materials.

The pads vary in shape depending on light exposure. In shaded locations, pads tend to be darker green and more oblong. In full sun, they become lighter green and rounder. Regardless of growing conditions, the plant blooms in late spring with absolutely stunning deep orange flowers. These are followed by purple-red, club-shaped fruits when ripe.

In the low desert, Opuntia elata requires supplemental irrigation and performs best in filtered sunlight. It tolerates full sun and deeper shade but may bloom less under either extreme. It is adaptable to sandy, rocky, and even clay soils if allowed to dry out between waterings. A striking addition to desert gardens, it also makes an effective barrier plant due to its formidable spines.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for generalist native bees and beetles; pending additional hummingbird-specific sources for this species.
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); Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) ; LeConte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei)

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Filtered Shade

Mature size:

3-10'x3-10'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Orange

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

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.