Prickly pear

Opuntia ficus-indica

Shrub4.2×4 mzone 8–11light shade🍎 Edible

Profile

Family: Cactaceae
Habit: Shrub
Height: 4.2 m
Spread: 4 m
Growth: fast
Lifespan: 115 years
First yield: after 3 years
Hardiness: zone 8–11
Shade tolerance: light shade
Soil: Sand, Silt
Soil moisture: Desert – moist
pH: 6 – 8.5

evergreensuitable for hedgesthornyscentednectar sourcepollen source

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering
Fruit harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible6 of 10

Medicinal4 of 10

Other uses6 of 10

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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