Purple Prickly Pear
Opuntia santa-rita
Cold or dry weather causes this cactus' pads to take on striking purplish color. Also try O. macrocentra.
THE BASICS
Type: Cacti
Sun: Full/reflected sun
Hardiness: 10°F
Water: Very Low
Native to: Sonoran, Chihuahuan Deserts
GROWTH RATE
Growth Rate: Moderate
Mature Height: 4 feet
Mature Width: 5 feet
Mature Form: Shrublike
FOLIAGE
Evergreen
Color: Green-purple
Texture: Tan spines
WILDLIFE
FLOWERS
Flower Color: Yellow
Season: spring
COMMENTS
Litter: Low
Thorns: Small
Allergenic: No
Irritation: None
Photo Credit: Dave Seibert
Photo Credit: Carol Ward
Photos (l-r, t-b) : Dave Seibert, Carol Ward