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Perennials > Opuntia > Opuntia fragilis > Opuntia fragilis

Opuntia fragilis


Little Prickly Pear




Origin:  Central to Western United States.
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Opuntia
Species
fragilis
Category
Perennials
USDA Hardiness Zone
2
Canadian Hardiness Zone
3
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
(-15) - 4
Temperature (°F)
5 - 40
Height
5-10 cm
Spread
30 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
JuneJulyAugustSeptember
General Description
Mat-forming low plant, large bluish-green terminal joints. Covered in miniature barbed glochids which easily detach from the plant when touched, can be quite painful.
Landscape
In rock gardens, in potted succulent collections, as a potted patio decoration plant or as a specimen.
Cultivation
Sandy, rocky or gravelly soils in full sun or partial shade, is not tolerant of full shade.
Shape
Low-spreading.
Growth
Slow
Pests
None known. May rot if soil is too wet.
Habitat
Desert valleys, low hills or mountainsides at an altitude of 600-1,500 m.
Leaf Description
Conical leaves, 1.5-3 mm long. Spines are straight, greyish-white in colour generally cover the joints and spread in all directions, 1-6 per areole, 1.2-1.5 cm in length.
Flower Description
Greenish-yellow in colour, 4.5 cm in diameter, greenish-yellow filaments 1.5 mm long, style 10-15 mm long, with 10 stigmas.
Fruit Description
Obovoid, spiny or spineless, reddish-green in its youth turning dry and tan coloured at maturity roughly 2-3 months after flowering.
Propagation
Sow seeds early spring in a well drained compost, once large enough, prick and place in individual pots to remain for their first 2 winters. The following late spring or early summer plant in their permanent location. Leaf pads can be cut at any time, place the cutting in a dry sunny area and ensure the base is completely dry, beginning to callous then pot in sandy compost.
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