Desert Prickly Pear

Opuntia phaeacantha, Cactaceae

Zones

8–11

Layer

Shrub

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Slow

Guild Roles

ProducerBeneficial Insect HabitatPest Confuser

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6.5 – 8

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Desert SaltbushAtriplex polycarpa

Nurse PlantPhysical Support

Three-leaf SumacRhus trilobata

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Candle-pod AcaciaVachellia hebeclada

Nitrogen FixationNurse PlantShade Provision

Smooth MesquiteProsopis laevigata

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Tar BushEremophila glabra

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

Golden Flowered Century PlantAgave chrysantha

Pollinator SharingWind ProtectionBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

Thick-stemmed Prickly PearOpuntia pachypus

Two prickly pear species with similar ecological niches competing for limited water and soil resources in arid environments

Organ Pipe CactusStenocereus thurberi

Large columnar cactus creating shade that inhibits growth of smaller cacti species

Uses

Functions

Fruit ProductionLiving FenceErosion ControlEmergency Water

Edible Parts

FruitsPadsFlowers

Medicinal Uses

Diabetes ManagementWound HealingAnti-Inflammatory

Common Questions

What zones does Desert Prickly Pear grow in?

Desert Prickly Pear grows in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11.

What are good companion plants for Desert Prickly Pear?

Good companions for Desert Prickly Pear include Desert Saltbush, Three-leaf Sumac, Candle-pod Acacia, Smooth Mesquite, Tar Bush.

Design guilds with Desert Prickly Pear and see companion relationships visually.

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