Opuntia Species, Navajo Bridge Prickly Pear, Hair-spine Prickly Pear, Nichol's Prickly Pear
Opuntia polyacantha var. nicholii
Family: | Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a) (Info) |
Species: | polyacantha var. nicholii |
Synonym: | Opuntia nicholii |
Synonym: | Opuntia hystricina var. nicholii |
Category:
Perennials
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage:
Deciduous
Foliage Color:
Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing:
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:
Bright Yellow
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Phoenix, Arizona
Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes
Gardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Positive | On Nov 14, 2004, Xenomorf from Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote: Some of the hair-spines measure 7+ inches & are bristly which is what separates this from the "erinacea" variety |