Perennials, Tropicals, Weeds > Opuntia > Opuntia polycantha > Opuntia polycantha
Opuntia polycantha
Plains Pricklypear, Hairspine Cactus, Panhandle Pricklypear
Origin: Western North America including Canada.
| Family |
| Cactaceae |
| Genus |
| Opuntia |
| Species |
| polycantha |
| Category |
| Perennials, Tropicals, Weeds |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 |
| Height |
| 40 cm |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| A low growing, spreading plant with spines that are variable in number and colour. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| Pests |
| Several insects attack the cactus, including the cactus moth, the blue cactus borer, and the cactus bug. |
| Habitat |
| Favouring sandy soils. |
| Leaf Description |
| Succulent green pads are oval or circular and reach 27 x 18 cm wide. |
| Flower Description |
| The flowers are 2.5 - 4 cm long and may be yellow or magenta in colour. |
| Fruit Description |
| The fruit is cylindrical, brownish, dry and spiny. |
| Notable Specimens |
| The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Stem pads were once used as food for both humans and livestock while fresh portions of the stem were used to treat wounds. |
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