Opuntia macrorhiza
prairie pricklypear
Great Plains and central North America
Overview
Opuntia macrorhiza is a low-growing prickly pear cactus forming sprawling clumps 6-12 in (15-30 cm) tall and 1-4 ft (0.3-1.2 m) wide, arising from thickened, sometimes tuberous roots. The blue-green pads, or cladodes, are rounded to oval, 2-5 in (5-13 cm) long, and bear clusters of barbed bristles called glochids along with scattered, longer spines, most concentrated toward the upper edges of each pad. Yellow flowers 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm) across open in late spring to early summer, often with a reddish center, followed by fleshy red-purple fruits 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm) long. The species is native to the Great Plains and central North America, growing in dry prairies, rocky slopes, and sandy soils. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 and shrivels in winter as the pads lose water, then refills in spring. The glochids detach easily and lodge in skin, and the plant spreads to form colonies where conditions are dry and open.
Native Range
Opuntia macrorhiza is native to central North America, ranging across the Great Plains from the central United States into northern Mexico, and east into parts of the Midwest and South. It grows in dry prairies, rocky outcrops, and sandy or gravelly soils.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and water-wise plantings, and as a low groundcover on dry slopes, spaced 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) apart. The flowers attract native bees, and the fruit feeds wildlife.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, often with a reddish centerFoliage Description
blue-green (pads)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Opuntia macrorhiza grows in full sun and sharp-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils with pH from 6.0 to 8.0. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and survives cold winters by losing water from the pads, which shrivel and lie flat, then refill in spring. Water needs are very low, and soils that stay wet, particularly in winter, cause rot. It tolerates extreme heat and prolonged drought once established. The barbed glochids detach on contact and embed in skin.Pruning
Individual pads can be removed with tongs to limit spread or shape the clump, cutting cleanly at the joint between segments. Detached pads root readily where they fall. Damaged or rotting pads can be cut away at the base.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons