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Opuntia robusta

Silver Dollar, Giant Prickly Pear C

Plant photo of: Opuntia robusta
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Silver Dollar Prickly Pear is a large species, growing to about 20' tall by 12' wide. Blue green pads can reach 1' long by 8" across and are generally heavily thorned. Yellow flowers are produced in the spring. These plants do best in full sun and can survive on very little rainfall. It needs protection from any frost. Fleshy, barrel shaped, pink or purple fruit follow the flowers. Fruit is edible.

 

Plant Type

Succulent, Cactus

Height Range

12-25'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Blue Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Red

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Raised Planter, Roadside, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Hedge, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.