Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha
(Hairspine Prickly Pear)
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, Along CR33, Williams Fork Reservoir, Grand Co. 6627
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, Pawnee Buttes Trail, Pawnee National Grassland, Weld Co. 7641
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, Along CR 12 west of Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7990
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, North of Canon City on CO Hwy 9, Fremont Co. 0725
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, North of Canon City on CO Hwy 9, Fremont Co. 0745
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, Fourmile Area, Chaffee Co. 6365
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, Pawnee Buttes Trail, Pawnee National Grassland, Weld Co. 7645
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, Fourmile Area, Chaffee Co. 6369
| Scientific Name | Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha | USDA PLANTS Symbol | OPPOP |
| Common Name | Hairspine Prickly Pear, Starvation Prickly Pear | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 195296 |
| Family | Cactaceae (Cactus) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3500 to 9200 ft); clay, sandy or gravelly soils in open areas, grasslands, and woodlands. Plant: Highly variable. Low-growing, spreading perennial 4 to 20 inches tall. Pads & Spines:Broadly obovate to circular, flat pads, 3-3/8 to 4-3/4 inches long and 2-1/8 to 4-3/8 inches wide; areaole closely-spaced, 3/8-inch or less apart; usually 1 stiff central spine 1 to nearly 2 inches long per areole, often with 2 shorter central spines and several or numerous smaller radial spines; lower central spines may be flexible and curling; highly variable spine color. Inflorescence: Solitary blossoms 1-1/4 to 2 inches across, yellow or yellow with reddish centers, to entirely orange or magenta; white, to cream-colored, yellowish or red filaments; cream-colored to pinkish style and dark green stigma lobes. Bloom Period: June to August. Fruit: Small, dry, spiny; about 1 inch or less long. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Cacti of Texas" by Powell, Weedin and Powell, SEINet and Opuntia Web. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains