Plant Min Zone: 6b
Plant Max Zone: 10b
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall: Very Low, Low
Soil Quality: Poor, Average
Bloom Season: Early Summer, Summer
Flower Color: Yellow
Berry / Fruit Color: Maroon
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Low
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Sandy Soils, Rocky Soils, Alkaline Soils (high PH)
Height: 4' - 6'
Width: 2' - 5'
Growth Rate: Medium
Service Life: Medium: 3-5 years
Maintenance Need: Medium
Spreading Potential: Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Yuccas and Cacti Need No Trimming Except to Remove the Dead Flower Stalk.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Survives Under Roof Overhang, Survives Severe Drought, Tolerates Extreme Heat, Resistant to Rabbits, Crevice Gardens
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Root Rot Disease, Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Cactus Bugs
Plant Limitations: May get Occasional Winter-kill, Environmental Stress / Decline, Needs Excellent Drainage, Has Thorns
Shippable in 2026: YES
***Description for this plant available with future update!***The yellow flowers, maroon long lasting fruits, and upright growth habit of this cactus (Opuntia engelmannii var. engelmannii) create a unique addition to the desert garden. The pads are sparsely spined, light green, and hardy to about -5 degrees F. Native to arid soils in Texas, this cactus has a place as one of the few upright cacti that can handle extreme cold. In fact, I have seen this species growing a in Lawrence, KS in desert gardens along a south wall of a house. With well drained soils and proper micro-climate, this cactus can handle our extreme cold and excess rainfall of Eastern Kansas with excellent drainage. Both the young pads (nopales) and the sweet fruits (tunas) are edible and widely used in traditional cuisines (especially in Mexico) after carefully removing the thorns.