Devil's-Tongue
Opuntia austrina
- Native to:
- United States
Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,Neuchâtel Herbarium,,Stevenson, John A. (John Albert), 1890-1979 United States. Federal Horticultural Board United States. Bureau of Plant Industry
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Genus:
- Opuntia
- Species:
- Opuntia austrina
- USDA Symbol:
- OPAM
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Succulent
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cactus Borer Moth (Melitara prodenialis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, tortoises
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Can resprout from underground portions and detached pads after fire. Adapted to fire-prone sandy scrub habitats.
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds have hard seed coat requiring scarification. Germination is erratic and improved by warm temperatures.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI