Engelmann’s Pricklypear
(Opuntia engelmannii)
Engelmann’s Pricklypear (Opuntia engelmannii)
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Jessie Eastland
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Jessie Eastland
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jessie Eastland | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Pocketthis | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Desert-Flower.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Opuntia engelmannii, commonly known as Engelmann’s Pricklypear, is an evergreen succulent native to arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, grasslands, and chaparral in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico. It is particularly well-adapted to hot, dry climates and can also be found in disturbed areas. This plant typically forms dense, shrubby clumps up to 3.5 meters (11 ft) high, with segmented pads that are green, obovate to round, about 15–30 cm long and 12–20 cm wide. The showy flowers are yellow, occasionally reddish, 5–8 cm in diameter, blooming in April and May. Each flower opens around 8 AM and closes about 8 hours later, with each bloom lasting only one day. The purple, fleshy fruits are 3–7 cm long and are edible.
Engelmann’s Pricklypear is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It provides food and habitat for native wildlife, including birds and insects. In cultivation, it requires minimal water, thrives in well-drained soils, and prefers full sun exposure. While it is easy to grow, gardeners should handle it with care due to its sharp spines. It can be propagated easily from pads and is sometimes used as a living fence. Potential problems include cochineal scale insects, which can be controlled with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.CC BY-SA 4.0
Engelmann’s Pricklypear is valued for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It provides food and habitat for native wildlife, including birds and insects. In cultivation, it requires minimal water, thrives in well-drained soils, and prefers full sun exposure. While it is easy to grow, gardeners should handle it with care due to its sharp spines. It can be propagated easily from pads and is sometimes used as a living fence. Potential problems include cochineal scale insects, which can be controlled with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, grasslands, and chaparral in the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Cactus Apple, Desert Prickly Pear, Discus Prickly Pear, Nopal De Engelmann
Scientific Names: , Opuntia engelmannii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck