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Opuntia ficus-indica

Indian Fig Prickly Pear

Plant photo of: Opuntia ficus-indica
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

More tree like than other opuntias to 15'. Usually have no spines but some glochids can be found. Flowers are yellow to orange in late spring and early summer. Fruit is edible. Full sun. Must have good drainage. Frost sensitive to hard freeze. When they are young, the pads, or mopales of this cactus are used to make a delicious salsa, which is reputed to have beneficial health effects. 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

Water Saving Tip:

Different areas of your landscape have different water requirements.

Shrubs need much less water than lawns and drip systems should never be scheduled on the same program with lawns.

Establish separate watering schedules for those areas.