Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cactaceae

Genus:

Opuntia

Species:

Opuntia stricta

USDA Symbol:

OPTE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Succulent

Height:

200 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals, tortoises, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from surviving pads and roots after fire. Often increases in disturbed post-fire environments.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification to break hard seed coat. Germination is erratic and improved by warm temperatures.