Introducing the Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus, known as Opuntia polyacantha var. Erinacea. Native to North America, this cold-hardy cactus is commonly referred to as the Grizzly Bear Cactus, Mojave Prickly Pear, or Opuntia erinacea ursina. It belongs to the Opuntia genus, which is known for its distinctive pad-like stems and vibrant flowers.
The Opuntia prickly pear cactus with profuse spines and yellow, barbed glochids resembles a hedgehog, so handle it with caution. The Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus typically grows to a mature height of about 2 feet and spreads out horizontally, forming clusters of thick, fleshy pads.
This Opuntia cactus has flat, oval-shaped pads covered in spines, which give it a prickly appearance.
The pads are green, often tinged with purple or reddish hues. These pads can grow up to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.
The flowers of grizzly bear cactus bloom in the spring with pink blossoms.These flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
These flowers are a stark contrast to the cactus's sharp spines, creating a beautiful display in the desert landscape.
When it comes to care, this Opuntia cactus loves full sun exposure, so it should be placed outdoors in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot and dry desert climates to colder regions. The Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
As for indoor cultivation, it can be grown near a sunny window. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F during winter months. Use a well-drained soil mix with minimal watering and avoid overwatering.
The Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus can be propagated through seeds or by taking stem cuttings. It thrives in well-draining soil, preferably a sandy or rocky mix. When it comes to watering, it is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
With the help of Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea, you'll start to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty!
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Opuntia polyacantha Var. Erinacea |
| Common Name | Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Growth Habit | Shrub |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Mature Size | 2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | North America |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance, mild frost tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Easy to grow |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Introducing the Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus, known as Opuntia polyacantha var. Erinacea. Native to North America, this cold-hardy cactus is commonly referred to as the Grizzly Bear Cactus, Mojave Prickly Pear, or Opuntia erinacea ursina. It belongs to the Opuntia genus, which is known for its distinctive pad-like stems and vibrant flowers.
The Opuntia prickly pear cactus with profuse spines and yellow, barbed glochids resembles a hedgehog, so handle it with caution. The Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus typically grows to a mature height of about 2 feet and spreads out horizontally, forming clusters of thick, fleshy pads.
This Opuntia cactus has flat, oval-shaped pads covered in spines, which give it a prickly appearance.
The pads are green, often tinged with purple or reddish hues. These pads can grow up to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.
The flowers of grizzly bear cactus bloom in the spring with pink blossoms.These flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
These flowers are a stark contrast to the cactus's sharp spines, creating a beautiful display in the desert landscape.
When it comes to care, this Opuntia cactus loves full sun exposure, so it should be placed outdoors in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot and dry desert climates to colder regions. The Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
As for indoor cultivation, it can be grown near a sunny window. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F during winter months. Use a well-drained soil mix with minimal watering and avoid overwatering.
The Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus can be propagated through seeds or by taking stem cuttings. It thrives in well-draining soil, preferably a sandy or rocky mix. When it comes to watering, it is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
With the help of Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea, you'll start to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty!
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Spring |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Opuntia polyacantha Var. Erinacea |
| Common Name | Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Growth Habit | Shrub |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Hardiness Zone | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Mature Size | 2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide |
| Native Area | North America |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance, mild frost tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Easy to grow |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
