Purple Pricklypear

(Opuntia macrocentra)

Purple Pricklypear (Opuntia macrocentra)

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Opuntia macrocentra, commonly known as Purple Pricklypear, is an evergreen succulent native to the desert regions, grasslands, and scrublands of the Southwestern USA and Mexico. It is an upright spreading shrub, typically reaching 30–60 centimeters (1–2 feet) in height. The plant is characterized by its segmented pads that are blue-gray, blue-green, or purplish, often with more intense purple hues at the edges or around the areoles. Purple Pricklypear is notable for its large, sturdy, and showy flowers that bloom in the spring, usually from March through June. The flowers feature yellow petals with red bases, creating a bright red center, and pale yellow to cream-colored internal reproductive structures. After pollination, it produces dark red edible fruits that are succulent and about half the size of the flowers.

The Purple Pricklypear is valued for its drought tolerance and striking appearance, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-resistant landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun to part shade, with low water needs and well-draining soil. Gardeners should be cautious when handling this plant due to its sharp spines. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to cochineal scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulent, Shrub
Height: 1-4 feet
Width: 6-9 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow, Red
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Very Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Desert regions, grasslands, and scrublands of the Southwestern USA and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Martin’s Blunt-Spine Prickly-Pear, Long-Spine Prickly-Pear, Blunt-Spine Prickly-Pear, Black-Spine Prickly-Pear, Purple Prickly-Pear, Redeye Prickly Pear, Purpuropuntia

Scientific Names: , Opuntia macrocentra, Opuntia violacea, Opuntia violacea var. macrocentra, Opuntia macrocentra var. minor, Opuntia violacea var. castetteri, Opuntia mackensenii var. minor,

GBIF Accepted Name: Opuntia macrocentra Engelm.