Opuntia englemaniiEnglemann's Prickly Pear is a hardy, large shrub that can grow tall—up to 6 feet. Its branches can be found reaching upwards or sprawling out, adding character to your garden. The plant boasts beautiful fleshy green pads, which are often round to oval and can measure up to 12 inches across. You’ll notice that the young pads are a vibrant green, sprinkled with tiny bumps known as areoles. These are the spots where small leaves appear, but don’t worry if they drop off; they make way for the impressive spines that eventually develop. Each areole can showcase anywhere from zero to eight flattened, sunny yellow spines along with a sprinkling of tiny, brownish glochids. Come spring, these charming plants burst into bloom with dazzling yellow flowers that show off their beauty, later transforming into lovely reddish-purple fruits come summer. BONAP MAPHeight: 3’-6’Spread: 3’-6’Bloom: May-AugustLight: Full sunWater: LowZone: 8-10Origin: Texas, Southwestern U.S. & Mexico
