|
| Identification |
|
Genus
Opuntia
Species
occidentalis
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
pricklypear cactus
Family
CACTACEAE
Specimen number
S12005
Data source
UnVeg p78
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| Life cycle |
|
Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual,Perennial
Life span
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Various
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
Overall spread
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| Climate |
|
Sunshine
Full sun
Water
Optimal soil texture
Soil texture 26
Acceptable soil pH
Slightly acidic
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Not classified
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
|
| Garden |
|
Suitable for gardens
no
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
Full sun is needed for Opuntia occidentalis to do its best.
|
| Special qualities |
|
Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
|
| Adverse factors |
|
Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
|
| Herbal medicine |
|
Medicinal properties
Medicinal parts
Has medicinal uses
no
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
The leaves of this plant and the seed pods are both edible. Its most notable nutritional component is vitamin C. Opuntia occidentalis is most commonly used cooked.
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| Traditional uses |
|
Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
|
| Cultivation |
|
Propagule
Seed
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
3 to 4 weeks
Planting period
May 01 - May 31
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Hardy
Heat requirement
Warm
Fertilizer
Low nitrogen
Time to harvest
|
| Nutrition |
|
Is edible
yes
Culinary uses
Cooked
Nutritional value
Vitamin C
Edible parts
Leaves
Seed pods
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
has juicy pulp-filled leaves and seed-pods which have sweet fruit surrounding numerous seeds
|
| Horticulture |
|
Horticulture notes
May is normally the best time to begin planting. Harden in a cold frame for 3 to 4 weeks prior to setting out. It requires warm days for good production. Low nitrogen is required for optimal growth. Opuntia occidentalis is typically propagated by seed.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
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