Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Opuntia

Species:

Opuntia aurea

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

1-2 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may, jun

Bloom Colors:

Yellow, Green

Food Forest:

Plant contains edible parts

Native Range

United States: Arizona, Utah

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained sandy soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid desert regions