Opuntia fragilis ‘Pender Island Form’
Opuntia fragilis 'Pender Island Form' is a lovely, vigorous form that hails from BC's Gulf Islands.
Fragile prickly pear (Opuntia fragilis) is widespread across western North America and occurs in all Canadian provinces from Ontario west. It has small pads that can be cylindrical (usually in the BC interior) or larger and somewhat flattened (BC coastal forms). The pads can be upright or prostrate. In summer they produce bright yellow cactus flowers. This is the most northerly of all cactus species occurring only 8 degrees of latitude south of the Arctic Circle in Alberta. Plant in full sun in sharply draining soil. ‘Pender Island Form’ was propagated from a few pads collected on Pender Island in the Southern Gulf Islands of BC. Up to and including 2019, all plants sold as Opuntia fragilis were this form. Coastal forms may not be as hardy as forms collected in colder regions.
Common Name: Brittle Prickly Pear
Family: Cactaceae (The Cactus Family)
Zone Hardiness: 3-9
Light: Full Sun
Height: 4-8"
Width: 8-12"
Primary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Secondary Bloom Colour:
Class: Evergreen
Type: Perennial
Bloom Time: Summer
Soil Moisture: Dry, Drought Tolerant
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits: Bees
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: Yes
Native Habitat: Dry prairies, sandhills and rocks.
Award:
Geographical Origin:
