Cactaceae

Opuntia polyacantha

Plains Prickly Pear Cactus

Mats of spreading, flattened, widely oval, pad-like stems. Pads round to oval, 1–4 in. long, light green. Spines stout, straight, dark brown or gray, 1/4–2 in. long, clustered at circular areole, with gray-woolly hairs and numerous yellow to reddish, small, sharp prickles. Flowers with numerous light yellow petals 1–2 in. long. Grows in dry plains, hills in open or sparsely wooded areas, common on sand.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--12 inches
• Habitat: Shrub-Steppe
• Found In: Great Basin
• Native: Yes