Learn More Details About This Plant

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: western pricklypear cactusmojave prickly pear
  • Synonyms: opuntia erinacea var. ursina (in part)
  • Family: cactaceae
  • Genus Information: CA 31, TX 31, AZ 24, NM 19, NV 16, UT 14

Habit and Size

  • Duration: succulent shrub
  • Habit: upright / spreading
  • Shape: clump-forming
  • Size: 30–60 cm tall
  • Stem: flattened, oblong pads (cladodes)

Leaves

  • Color: blue-green to yellow-green
  • Shape: pads are elliptical to oblong
  • Edge: entire (crowded with areoles)
  • Arrangement: spiraled areoles
  • Leaf Retention: evergreen

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: hermaphroditic
  • Flower Color: yellow to magenta
  • Flower Size: 5–6 cm diameter
  • Number of Petals: numerous
  • Bloom: May–June
  • Fruit: tan to gray, dry, and very spiny

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: very low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils
  • Habitat: upper bajadas, moderate slopes, and desert washes

Distribution

  • Distribution: NV, AZ (primarily the Grand Canyon and Gold Butte regions)
  • Seen: Valley of Fire
  • Elevation: 1000–4500 feet (300–1370 meters)

Gallery

Opuntia diploursina

Observed in the rocky bajadas of southern Nevada.

Opuntia diploursina

Observed in the rocky bajadas of southern Nevada.

Opuntia diploursina

Observed in the rocky bajadas of southern Nevada.