Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Opuntia

Species:

Opuntia cochenillifera

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

6-8 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

red, yellow

Native Range

United States: Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Palau, Virgin Islands

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:

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

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions