Opuntia cacanapa ‘Ellisiana’ (Ellisiana Prickly Pear)

Botanical Name: Opuntia cacanapa ‘Ellisiana’
Common Names: Ellisiana Prickly Pear, Spineless Prickly Pear

Opuntia cacanapa ‘Ellisiana’ is a nearly spineless prickly pear cactus native to Texas and northern Mexico. It develops upright to spreading pads in soft blue-green to gray-green tones, giving it a clean, architectural appearance well suited to desert landscapes and large containers. Valued for its drought tolerance and reduced spines, this hardy opuntia is easier to handle than many traditional prickly pears. Mature plants typically reach 3–5 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide in the ground, with container-grown plants remaining smaller.

Care and Cultivation:

• Prefers full sun

• Water sparingly; drought tolerant once established

• Use fast-draining cactus or native soil

• Ideal growing temperature range: 65–95°F (18–35°C)

• Excellent for xeriscapes, desert gardens, and large containers

Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:

• Best suited for USDA Zones 7–10

• Cold hardy to about 10°F (-12°C)

• Protect young plants from prolonged hard freezes

• Thrives in hot, dry climates

Winter Dormancy and Health:

• Growth slows or stops in winter

• Pads may wrinkle slightly during dormancy

• Resume watering lightly in spring

Notes:

• Nearly spineless pads (may have small glochids)

• Produces edible fruit on mature plants

• Extremely drought tolerant and low maintenance

• Excellent choice for low-water landscapes