Opuntia phaeacantha is a species of prickly pear cactus known by the common names brown-spine prickly pear, tulip pricklypear, and desert prickly pear, which is found across the southwestern United States, lower Great Plains, and northern Mexico. The plant forms dense but localized thickets. Tulip pricklypear is a member of the cactus family (Cactaceae) and is native to the Central and Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It forms dense thickets and is found in abandoned pastures or old fields. · What is a tulip pricklypear? This cactus is also known as brown spined pricklypear for its pronounced rust to reddish brown spines. If you live in warm, arid regions, learn how to grow brown spined pricklypear and add its unique flowers and medium stature to your desert garden. View all Opuntia phaeacantha is a species of prickly pear cactus known by the common names tulip pricklypear and desert prickly pear. It is found across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a characteristic prickly pear appearance, with flattened green pads bearing wool and spines. Opuntia phaeacantha is a species of prickly pear cactus known by the common names brown-spine prickly pear, tulip pricklypear, and desert prickly pear, which is found across the southwestern United States, lower Great Plains, and northern Mexico. The plant forms dense but localized thickets. · Size: About 3 tall or less and up to 8 feet wide. Growth Form: Shrub, Tree; decumbent to commonly trailing, stem segments green to dark green (or reddish under stress) flattened pads or segments, obovate to circular. Like the similar opuntia engelmannii, opuntia phaeacantha is a widespread but variable pricklypear species, prone to hybridization, and showing differences in spination and flower color. During spring to early summer, tulip pricklypear bears showy yellow flowers, which mature into purplish-red fruits. The distinctive paddle-like stems and dark thorns are key features for identification. Like the similar opuntia engelmannii, opuntia phaeacantha is a widespread but variable pricklypear species, prone to hybridization, and showing differences in spination and flower color. During spring to early summer, tulip pricklypear bears showy yellow flowers, which mature into purplish-red fruits. The distinctive paddle-like stems and dark thorns are key features for identification. · Size: About 3 tall or less and up to 8 feet wide. Growth Form: Shrub, Tree; decumbent to commonly trailing, stem segments green to dark green (or reddish under stress) flattened pads or segments, obovate to circular. In fact, the term “tulip mania” refers to a bubble in the Dutch economy in the 17th century, where people became obsessed with buying rare tulip varieties, driving prices through the roof. Overall, the tulip’s …
