// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Tulip prickly pear

Opuntia phaeacantha

Tulip prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11a. Mature size 38"–8'. Blooms Apr–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 10 U.S. states, including AZ, CA, CO, KS, NM, NV…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11a
Mature size: 38"–8'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Apr–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Tulip prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha) — *Opuntia phaeacantha* — Tulip prickly pear. Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Tulip prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes KS, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11a. Mature size 38"–8'. Blooms Apr–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, tulip prickly pear pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).