Opuntia tortispina
Opuntia tortispina
- Native to:
- United States | CO, KS, NE, NM, OK, TX, WY
Wikimedia: CactiLegacy
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Genus:
- Opuntia
- Species:
- Opuntia tortispina
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Succulent
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange, red
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Source: deepseek-v4-flash
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Source: deepseek-v4-flash
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters. | Pulpy coat -- soak & rinse daily 7 days to remove.