Family: Cactaceae
Author: Haw.
Bibliography: Suppl. pl. succ. 82. 1819
Year: 1819
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Opuntia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. Canada to N. Mexico
Description
The Cliff prickly-pear, known scientifically as Opuntia polyacantha, is a remarkable species within the Cactaceae family. This resilient cactus manifests its presence across a wide geographical range, stretching from Canada all the way to northern Mexico. It was first described by the botanist Haworth in 1819, as catalogued in the Supplementum Plantarum Succulentarum.
Adapted to thrive in rocky and arid environments, the Cliff prickly-pear is distinguished by its low-growing, sprawling form. Its pads, which are typically covered with clusters of spines, help to protect the plant from herbivory and reduce water loss, making it highly suited to the harsh conditions of its native habitats. The spines can vary in color from white to brownish, adding to the plant’s distinctive appearance.
During the blooming season, Opuntia polyacantha graces the landscape with its vibrant flowers, which can range in color from yellow to pink. These blossoms not only add aesthetic value but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem by providing nectar for pollinators such as bees. Following the flowering period, the plant produces fleshy fruits, which are a source of food for various wildlife species.
The Cliff prickly-pear’s robust nature has made it a subject of interest for both botanists and horticulturists. Its ability to endure extreme conditions offers insights into plant adaptation and survival. Moreover, this species is often utilized in xeriscaping due to its low water requirement and striking appearance.
In conclusion, the Cliff prickly-pear (Opuntia polyacantha) is a fascinating example of botanical resilience and beauty. Its widespread distribution from Canada to northern Mexico highlights its adaptability, while its striking physical appearance continues to intrigue and inspire plant enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Common Names
Eng: nichol’s prickly-pear, cliff prickly-pear, grizzly-bear prickly-pear, hairy prickly-pear, hedgehog prickly-pear, juniper prickly-pear, plains prickly-pear, porcupine prickly-pear, red-spine prickly-pear, starvation prickly-pear, panhandle prickly-pear, plains prickly-pear cactus, plains pricklypear, many-spined prickly pear
Swe: frilandsopuntia
Fra: oponce à épines nombreuses, corne de raquette, raquette du missouri
En: Cliff prickly-pear, Hairy prickly-pear, Juniper prickly-pear, Plains prickly-pear, Starvation prickly-pear, Porcupine prickly-pear, Hedgehog prickly-pear, Nichol’s prickly-pear, Red-spine prickly-pear, Grizzly-bear prickly-pear, Plains pricklypear, Panhandle Prickly-pear, Sand Prickly-pear Cactus, Plains prickly-pear cactus, Many-spined prickly pear
Zh: 多刺仙人掌
Fi: Pihaopuntia
Fr: Oponce à épines nombreuses, Corne de raquette, Raquette du Missouri
Sv: Frilandsopuntia
Synonyms
- Tunas polyacantha ((Haw.) Nieuwl. & Lunell)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by albert hines (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Amy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Amy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Amy (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 2, 2013 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Lee Elliott (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Miranda Jesica Zulma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Kelly Derkson (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2019 by Susan Brandt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Monica mlm38 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Jennifer MacDonald (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2019 by Hermida Raúl Hermida (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2019 by c l (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Chris Quick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Euphrosyne Beauchamp (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 26, 2020 by Oluchi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Manuel Hernández (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2022 by daniella drula (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Christian Stafford (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:290995-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384095)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Opuntia polyacantha Haw.)
Specifications
Growth form: Stoloniferous
Growth habit: Shrub
Growth rate: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.8
Ph minimum: 7.0