Plains Prickly Pear

Opuntia polyacantha, Cactaceae

Zones

4–9

Layer

Ground Cover

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Slow

Guild Roles

ProducerGround CoverPollinator Attractor

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)

Water

Low (established)Low (seedling)

Soil pH

6.5 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Soapweed YuccaYucca glauca

Wind ProtectionBeneficial Insect Habitat

Prairie Three-awnAristida oligantha

Wind ProtectionNurse Plant

Texas BluebonnetLupinus texensis

Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant

Pineland Three-awnAristida stricta

Wind ProtectionNurse Plant

Illinois BundleflowerDesmanthus illinoensis

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Chia SageSalvia columbariae

Pollinator SharingPest Deterrent

California BuckwheatEriogonum fasciculatum

Beneficial Insect HabitatPollinator Sharing

Shortbeak SedgeCarex brevior

Nurse PlantWind Protection

Uses

Functions

Food ProductionErosion ControlXeriscapingWildlife Habitat

Edible Parts

PadsFruitsFlowers

Medicinal Uses

Anti-InflammatoryDiabetes ManagementWound Healing

Common Questions

What zones does Plains Prickly Pear grow in?

Plains Prickly Pear grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.

What are good companion plants for Plains Prickly Pear?

Good companions for Plains Prickly Pear include Soapweed Yucca, Prairie Three-awn, Texas Bluebonnet, Pineland Three-awn, Illinois Bundleflower.

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

Try PatternBase free