Scientific: Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea (Synonyms: Opuntia erinacea, Opuntia erinacea var. ursina, Opuntia ursina)
Taxonomic confusion: The accepted scientific name of this varietal taxon has not been fully resolved. The name Opuntia erinacea was proposed in 2014 by Stock, et al. (Cactus and Succulent Journal, 86(2), 79-83) as an allopolyploid that resulted from hybridization between Opuntia diploursina and Opuntia basilaris, although this has not been offically accepted and its designation as a variety of Opuntia polyacantha is still maintained.
Common: Mojave pricklypear
Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Mojave and Great Basin deserts of the southwestern United States.
Pronounciation: O-PUN-tee-a pol-ee-a-CAN-tha er-in-A-see-a
Hardiness zones:
Sunset 10-13
USDA 9-11
Landscape Use: Stem and flower accent cactus for desert style gardens, container plant.
Form & Character: Prostrate and spreading, submissive, visually interesting yet dangerous, dry, and colorful.
Growth Habit: Evergreen, tetraploid (2n=44) succulent perennial, slow growth rate, densely mostly basally branched, prostrate and widely spreading, only 2- to 3-feet tall.
Foliage/Texture: Stems of all Opuntia are jointed into flattened sections called blades or pads which store water. Mojave pricklypear cacti stem pads are somewhat elongated and are known for their dense arrangement of areoles having iridescent white spines, spines straight or wavy ranging in length to over 7-inches long; coarse texture.
Flowers & Fruits: Magenta colored flowers, 2- to 3-inches wide on ends or tips of highest pads; fruits are pale, oblong, yellowish green to reddish in late summer and fall. Fruits are edible.
Seasonal Color: Consistently blooms in April to May.
Temperature: Tolerant of Phoenix heat and cold.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Tolerant
Watering: No supplemental water during winter, but occasional summer soakings will keep pads fresh and flush.
Pruning: None
Propagation: As with all Opuntia, plains prickly pear easily roots at the basal end of pads, seed (generally unnecessary) or layering.
Disease and Pests: None, or so one would think..... that is until javelina and rabbits are on the hunt for water. These suburban Phoenix vermin can devour and destroy this succulent.
Additional comments: Mojave pricklypear is of great textural accent in the landscape. Its spines will glow and sparkle in the sun. During the warm times of year if soils become excessively dry, then the terminal pads will tend to droop indicating a need for supplemental water. This is a great desert native, low-growing and spreading accent cactus for dry desert gardens.
