The classic native prickly pear of the Arizona desert, with large green pads, yellow spring flowers and red-purple fruit that birds love. It is tough, very drought tolerant once established, and gives a landscape an authentic Sonoran look.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the cactus guidance in our Landscape Care guide, which means watering by hand only when the plant needs it. Once established it needs very little. A deep soak during a long dry spell keeps the pads from shriveling.
Pruning
Remove whole pads at the joint to reduce size or keep it off a path. Use tongs and thick gloves for the spines and glochids.
Pests
Cochineal scale shows up as white, cottony patches on the pads. A strong spray of water knocks it back.
How our designers use it
Native gardens
It anchors a Sonoran planting alongside mesquite, palo verde, brittlebush and globe mallow.
Wildlife
Flowers draw bees and the fruit feeds birds, so it suits a habitat-minded garden.
Barrier planting
Its spread and spines make it a natural deterrent along a property edge or slope.
Good to know
Around the pool
The long spines and glochids are a real hazard near bare feet, and dropped fruit stains paving. We plant it well away from pools, paths and play areas, with room for its wide spread.
