Opuntia ficus-indica
Indian Fig Prickly Pear
Description
This Opuntia is more tree-like than other types; it grows to15' tall. It usually has no spines but some glochids can be found. Flowers are yellow to orange in late spring and early summer. Fruit is edible. It does best in full sun and is frost sensitive. It needs well drained soil. The major pest and source of the red dye cochineal comes from a scale.
Plant Type
Succulent, Cactus
Height Range
6-12', 12-25'
Flower Color
Orange, Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Green, Light Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Purple, Red, Yellow
Fruit Season
Summer, Fall
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Swimming Pool, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.