How much sun does Coastal pricklypear need?

Coastal pricklypear grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Coastal pricklypear bloom?

Coastal pricklypear blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Coastal pricklypear native?

Coastal pricklypear (Opuntia littoralis) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Coastal pricklypear attract?

Coastal pricklypear draws native bees.

Coastal pricklypear

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Opuntia littoralis

Last reviewed: October 2026

Coastal pricklypear (Opuntia littoralis) is a perennial succulent native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees.

Coastal pricklypear (Opuntia littoralis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A low, sprawling prickly pear with flattened, spiny pads that root where they touch soil, forming spreading mats. Bright yellow flowers with red centers appear in late spring on coastal bluffs and scrub.

Growing Coastal pricklypear

Grow Coastal pricklypear in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Flowers provide pollen for native bees, and the fruit is eaten by birds and small mammals later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Coastal pricklypear need?: Coastal pricklypear grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Coastal pricklypear bloom?: Coastal pricklypear blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Coastal pricklypear native?: Coastal pricklypear (Opuntia littoralis) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Coastal pricklypear toxic to dogs?: Coastal pricklypear is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Coastal pricklypear toxic to cats?: Coastal pricklypear is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Coastal pricklypear attract?: Coastal pricklypear draws native bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Coastal pricklypear? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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