Opuntia polyacantha
Cactaceae
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
- Flower Form: Petals Numerous, Regular Shape
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 4–12 inches
- Habitat: Shrub-Steppe
- Found In: Great Basin
- Native: Yes
- Also Known As: Starvation Cholla
