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Brittle Cactus, Fragile Prickly Pear

Scientific Name: Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haworth
Synonym: Cactus fragilis, Opuntia brachyarthra, Opuntia fragilis var. parviconspicua , Opuntia fragilis var. brachyarthra , Opuntia fragilis ssp. brachyarthra , Terecaulis fragilis, Tunas fragilis
Family: Cactaceae

Opuntia fragilis at the Huntington Gardens in early July

Recommended Temperature Zone:
USDA: 3-10

Frost Tolerance: Reportedly hardy to -60°F (-50°C)

Origin: Western North America

Growth Habits: Mat forming cactus, up to 4 inches tall (10 cm)

Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 573. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

Blooming Habits:
Greenish yellow flowers, up to 2 inches in diameter (5 cm)

List of All the Plants | More in the Cactaceae family

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