Opuntia engelmannii - Engelmann's Prickly Pear, Apple cactus

Opuntia engelmannii Engelmann's Prickly Pear is an evergreen shrub-like cactus with thick, flattened, oval, green-gray pads typically covered with golden glochids and whitish tan 1 in. spines. In spring to early summer, beautiful 2-3 inch wide, rose-shaped yellow to orangey-red flowers appear attractive to pollinators. (see photos) Pollinated flowers give way to large, red, apple-like edible fruits, hence; the common name Apple cactus. These juicy fruits were critically important for all indigenous peoples, and are loved equally by all forms of wildlife. Although its distribution is centered in Arizona, many subspecies exist in all surrounding Southwest states & Texas. Easy to grow, especially from cuttings. All zones are indoor/outdoor houseplants.  Exposure Full sun to partial shade Grows to 3-5 feet high x 3-6 feet wide Hardiness Zone 7-11 *Plants ship bare root*     Why bare root? Got questions? Learn how to plant with help from our blog!