Cliff Prickly-pear
Opuntia polyacantha
Last reviewed: June 2026
Opuntia polyacantha is a drought-tolerant cactus native to western and central North America, blooming yellow flowers from May through July and attracting bees and beetles.
Cliff Prickly-pear (Opuntia polyacantha) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cliff Prickly-pear as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, KS and 11 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cliff prickly-pear is a low-growing native cactus that forms spreading mats of flat, paddle-shaped segments. It produces bright yellow flowers in late spring and summer, followed by red or purple fruits. This drought-tolerant succulent maintains its green color year-round and requires minimal care once established.
Growing Cliff Prickly-pear
Grow Cliff Prickly-pear in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cliff Prickly-pear takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Sharp spines create safety concerns
- Cactus appearance conflicts with traditional landscaping expectations
- Can spread beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The showy flowers attract native bees and beetles during the blooming period. The fruits provide food for birds and small mammals in late summer.
Common questions
- Where does Opuntia polyacantha naturally grow?
- Opuntia polyacantha is native to 15 states across western and central North America, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
- When does Cliff Prickly-pear bloom?
- Opuntia polyacantha typically blooms from May through July, producing bright yellow flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Opuntia polyacantha?
- Cliff Prickly-pear flowers are primarily pollinated by bees and beetles, which are attracted to the large, showy yellow blooms.
- How much water does Opuntia polyacantha need?
- This cactus is extremely drought-tolerant and requires very little water once established, making it well-suited to arid and semi-arid environments.
- Is Cliff Prickly-pear toxic to dogs?
- Cliff Prickly-pear is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Cliff Prickly-pear toxic to cats?
- Cliff Prickly-pear is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Cliff Prickly-pear toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cliff Prickly-pear as toxic to livestock.
- Is Cliff Prickly-pear HOA-friendly?
- Cliff Prickly-pear takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Cliff Prickly-pear? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz