Cockspur Pricklypear
Opuntia pusilla
Dr. L. Pfeiffer & Fr. Otto
Peter A. Mansfeld for the filtred image.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Genus:
- Opuntia
- Species:
- Opuntia pusilla
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 1-2 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas
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
Cactus Borer Moth (Melitara prodenialis)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal dunes and sandy areas