Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Opuntia

Species:

Opuntia cochenillifera

USDA Symbol:

OPCO4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

400 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

red, orange

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions; propagation more commonly done via stem cuttings which root easily.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI