Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001005
11/12/99
Opuntia humifusa (compressa)--Hardy Prickly Pear Cactus
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7
Height: 10 in Spread: 18 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Yellow
Comments: This hardy cactus is about the only one useful
for northern gardens or in dry soils. Use it with care
as the small brown hairs on the pads can cause skin
irritation. The plant needs a sunny location and a well-
drained soil. The yellow, 2- to 3-inch flowers (Vis. 1) are
followed by red, inedible fruit about one inch long. The
plant grows 8 to 10 inches tall and is quite prostrate.
The pads look shriveled in the winter if not given
protection.
Propagation: Propagation is by cuttings. Allow the
cuttings to dry then put the joint between two pads in
sand to root.
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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