Opuntia engelmannii (Engelmann Prickly Pear)

Opuntia engelmannii (Engelmann Prickly Pear) is a bushy succulent shrub with light green or bluish green, egg-shaped, fleshy pads, up to 12 in. across (30 cm). It forms sizeable clusters and grows either upright or spreading. The spines are quite short, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm), and are often white, tan, brown, or even pale yellow, before they fade to gray with age. Sitting on the outer edges of the pads, masses of stunning yellow to orange flowers appear from spring to summer. They are followed by juicy, purple-red fruits, up to 2 in. long (5 cm), which add interest to the plant after the flowers have disappeared. Edible, the fruit is most often used for jams, jelly, or syrups.

• Typically grows up to 3-6 ft. tall and wide (90-180 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or light shade, in well-drained soils. This plant tolerates a wide variety of soils as long as they are well-draining. Although drought tolerant, this plant looks the best if watered every 3-4 weeks in the hottest part of the summer.
• This low-maintenance plant is a great choice for xeriscape gardens, desert gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and cactus gardens. Will make a fine hedge that will deter most traffic.
• This remarkable plant is deer resistant and is easy to care for.
• Generally disease-free.
• Propagate from woody stem cuttings or from seed.
• Native to south-central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico.