Spineless prickly pear
Opuntia ellisiana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Spineless prickly pear (Opuntia ellisiana) is a perennial succulent native to TX. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Spineless prickly pear (Opuntia ellisiana) 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
24"–48" H × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
TX
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA clumping, spineless cactus with flattened, paddle-shaped pads and cheerful yellow spring flowers followed by reddish-purple fruit. Though lacking large spines, the pads retain small glochids. Extremely low-maintenance and drought tolerant, it works well as a durable accent or informal hedge in a sunny bed.
Growing Spineless prickly pear
Grow Spineless prickly pear in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spineless prickly pear is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- glochids can still irritate skin despite the lack of large spines
Wildlife value
Bright yellow blooms draw bees, and the ripe fruit is eaten by birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spineless prickly pear need?
- Spineless prickly pear grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Spineless prickly pear bloom?
- Spineless prickly pear blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Spineless prickly pear native?
- Spineless prickly pear (Opuntia ellisiana) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Spineless prickly pear toxic to dogs?
- Spineless prickly pear is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Spineless prickly pear toxic to cats?
- Spineless prickly pear is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Spineless prickly pear attract?
- Spineless prickly pear draws bees.
- Is Spineless prickly pear HOA-friendly?
- Spineless prickly pear is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Spineless prickly pear? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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