|   
| Identification |  | Genus 
Opuntia
Species 
polyacantha
Variety 
Cultivar 
Common names 
prickly-pear cactus
Family 
CACTACEAE
Specimen number 
S8787
Data source 
DyeFib p103 |  
 
| Life cycle |  | Life form 
Terrestrial
Life cycle 
Perennial
Life span 
3 - 10 years
Annual cycle 
Depends on climate
Stature 
Shrub
Growth form 
Various
Growth habit 
Succulent
Overall height 
 
Overall spread |  
 
| Climate |  | Sunshine 
Various
Water 
Various
Optimal soil texture 
Various
Acceptable soil pH 
Various
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 
The fruit of Opuntia polyacantha has been used in traditional fabric dyeing.  Rose is the most typical color produced by Prickly-pear cactus. |  
 
| 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 |  
 
| Traditional uses |  | Parts used 
Traditional uses 
Contemporary uses 
Fragrance 
Fragrance parts 
Fragrance intensity 
 
Fragrance category 
 
Dye parts 
Fruit
Dye color 
rose |  
 
| Cultivation |  | Propagule 
Various
Pollination method 
 
Planting style 
 
Crop spacing 
 
Row spacing 
 
Cold frame 
Planting period 
 
Harvesting period 
 
Frost tolerance 
 
Heat requirement 
 
Fertilizer 
Typical
Time to harvest |  
 
| Nutrition |  | Is edible 
no
Culinary uses 
Nutritional value 
Edible parts 
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture |  
 
| Horticulture |  | Horticulture notes 
Opuntia polyacantha is thought to originate from Arizona and New Mexico. |  
 
| Herbarium |  | Tag needs printing 
no
Collection notes 
Opuntia polyacantha is a perennial. |  Page 3314 of 4998 |