Plains Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) is a succulent, perennial shrub found in sunny prairie grasslands and on dry hillsides at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,500 feet. Prickly pear cacti are easy to identify because there are limited numbers of cacti of its size in Colorado.

Does prickly pear cactus grow in Colorado?

With much of Colorado being an arid climate, the prickly pear cactus can be found throughout the state, even in higher elevations. The prickly pear plant has three different edible sections: Obviously, when foraging for prickly pear pads you should be careful of the spines.

Where can I find cactus in Colorado?

Western Slope: The Western Slope is home to the Claret Cup cactus (Echinocereus mojavensis and triglochidiatus), which has bright red blooms and can often be found clinging to high canyon walls. You’ll also find various types of prickly pears, which tend to bloom around the same time.

What zone does prickly pear grow in?

Prickly pear plant is an excellent arid garden specimen that is appropriate for USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. Growing prickly pear in colder climates can be done in containers where they are moved indoors when cold temperatures threaten.

Can cacti grow in Colorado?

With its strange, prickly appearance, the cactus sometimes looks like it came from another world, but the truth is, cacti make great indoor plants for the Colorado home. Cacti are a type of succulent, which means that it stores water in its stems.

What cactus grows in Colorado?

Cacti of Colorado

• Tree cholla. Cylindropuntia imbricata.
• Whipple cholla. Cylindropuntia whipplei.
• Scarlet hedgehog cactus. Echinocereus coccineus.
• Fendler’s hedgehog. Echinocereus fendleri.
• Lace hedgehog cactus. Echinocereus reichenbachii.
• King cup cactus. Echinocereus triglochidiatus.
• Nylon hedgehog cactus.
• Common beehive cactus.

Can you grow cactus outside in Colorado?

Winter-hardy cacti are a natural choice for water-wise Colorado gardens. Perfectly suited to hot, dry summers and moderate winters, they can be hardy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and grow in brutally hot exposures few other plants can withstand. Cacti thrive with maximum sunlight and full exposure to drying winds.

Are there wild succulents in Colorado?

A succulent is any plant that can store moisture in its stems, leaves or roots. Many of Colorado’s xeriphytic natives are succulents, such as sempervivums, agave, ice plant, and sedums.

Is there cactus in Colorado Springs?

Cholla is an upright, irregular-shaped cactus that grows naturally south of Colorado Springs to Pueblo.

Does yucca grow in Colorado?

For native plant purists on Colorado’s Front Range, the Soapweed Yucca (Y. glauca) is a good choice. It is distributed widely across the high plains and foothills of Colorado, and is found from Canada to Texas. It is the most cold-hardy Yucca species available.

What states have prickly pear cactus?

The prickly pears are considered an old group within the cactus family with about 150 species in Opuntia. It has the largest range of any cactus in the United States and can be found from New Mexico and Montana east to Florida and Massachusetts. It is also found in Ontario.

Where does the prickly pear cactus live?

Prickly pear are found growing in washes, rocky hillsides, around boulders, and in areas where the soil is sandy or gravelly. The Englemann variety of prickly pear can be found over much of the desert southwest from central Texas through inland southern California.

Are prickly pears illegal?

Dozens of plants are prohibited from being sold in NSW, including several cactus species such as Aaron’s beard prickly pear, blind or bunny ears cactus and boxing glove cactus. “Cacti are just one of the plants that a traded illegally,” he said.

What plants survive Colorado winter?

Here are five native plants that will withstand the cold in Colorado Springs.

• Red Twig Dogwood. Source: Flickr.
• Rabbitbrush. Rabbitbrush is one of the most ornamental and stylish additions to Colorado landscapes.
• Creeping Mahonia.
• Prickly Pear Cactus.
• Smooth Sumac.

How do you grow a prickly pear cactus outside?

Prickly pears are a cactus, so they need well-draining soil first and foremost. Plant in full sun in a sandy or gravely mix and go easy on the water. Also, don’t be alarmed if your plants appear to deflate during the winter—this is their normal response to dormancy, and they’ll plump back up in spring.