Family: Cactaceae
Author: (Nutt.) Haw.
Bibliography: Suppl. Pl. Succ.: 82 (1819)
Year: 1819
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Opuntia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canada to N, W. & C. U.S.A.
Description
The Loose prickly-pear, known scientifically as Opuntia fragilis, is a fascinating member of the Cactaceae family. It was first documented in the Suppl. Pl. Succ. on page 82 in the year 1819 by the authoritative botanists (Nutt.) Haw. This resilient cactus species has carved out its place across a wide geographical range, spanning from Canada to the northern, western, and central regions of the United States.
Opuntia fragilis is notable for its adaptability to various environments, thriving in diverse climates ranging from harsh, arid deserts to more temperate regions. This species is characterized by its distinctive segmented stems that break away easily, a trait that aids in propagation. Each segment, bristling with spines, can take root and grow into a new plant, making it an effective natural survivor and colonizer.
In addition to its practical survival strategies, the Loose prickly-pear also boasts small, vibrant blooms that add splashes of color to its native habitats. These flowers, typically yellow with occasional shades of green or red, attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the ecological dynamics of their environments.
The Loose prickly-pear’s ability to flourish in such a broad range of climates exemplifies the remarkable adaptability and resilience inherent within the cacti family. Understanding and studying plants like Opuntia fragilis offers valuable insights into the complexities of plant survival and environmental interactions across North America.
Common Names
Eng: brittle cactus, brittle prickly-pear, brittle pricklypear, fragile cactus, fragile prickly-pear, jumping cactus, little prickly-pear, little pricklypear, loose prickly-pear, brittle prickly-pear cactus, brittle opuntia
Swe: sköropuntia
Fra: oponce fragile, crapaud vert, petit figuier d’inde, raquette fragile
En: Loose prickly-pear, Brittle cactus, Brittle prickly-pear, Fragile prickly-pear, Little prickly-pear, Brittle pricklypear, Pygmy pricklypear, Fragile Cactus, Jumping Cactus, Little Pricklypear, Brittle prickly-pear cactus, Brittle opuntia
Zh: 脆節仙人掌
Fr: Oponce fragile, Crapaud vert, Petit figuier d’Inde, Raquette fragile
Hu: Törékeny fügekaktusz
Lt: Trapioji opuncija
Sv: Sköropuntia
Synonyms
- Opuntia ventanensis (M.A.Long)
- Opuntia fragilis var. caespitosa (L.H.Bailey)
- Opuntia fragilis subsp. brachyarthra ((Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) F.A.C.Weber)
- Opuntia fragilis var. tuberiformis (L.H.Bailey)
- Opuntia fragilis var. denudata (E.F.Wiegand & Backeb.)
- Opuntia sabinii (Pfeiff.)
- Opuntia fragilis var. brachyarthra ((Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) J.M.Coult.)
- Opuntia fragilis f. brachyarthra ((Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) Schelle)
- Cactus fragilis (Nutt.)
- Opuntia fragilis var. parviconspicua (Backeb.)
- Tunas fragilis ((Nutt.) Nieuwl. & Lunell)
- Opuntia brachyarthra (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 23, 2020 by Ortiz Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Geovana Lacoves (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2020 by Tara Hutchinson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 9, 2021 by rodriguez debora (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2021 by beattie trevor (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Gé Dé (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 17, 2021 by suculenta margalena (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Gé Dé (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 2, 2022 by daniella drula (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 28, 2019 by alejandra marcela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Racheal Ann Stahl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2010 by EOL − Tony Frates (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Dornenwolf from Deutschland (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Racheal Ann Stahl (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Pablo Mora (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384113)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1093743-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub