Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus ‘Opuntia polyacantha Var. Erinacea’

Introducing the Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus, known as Opuntia polyacantha var. Erinacea. Native to North America, this cold-hardy cactus is commonly referred to as the Grizzly Bear Cactus, Mojave Prickly Pear, or Opuntia erinacea ursina. It belongs to the Opuntia genus, which is known for its distinctive pad-like stems and vibrant flowers.  The Opuntia prickly pear cactus with profuse spines and yellow, barbed glochids resembles a  hedgehog, so handle it with caution. The Grizzly Bear Prickly Pear Cactus typically grows to a mature height of about 2 feet and spreads out horizontally, forming clusters of thick, fleshy pads.  This Opuntia cactus has flat, oval-shaped pads covered in spines, which give it a prickly appearance.The pads are green, often tinged with purple or reddish hues. These pads can grow up to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.The flowers of grizzly bear cactus bloom in the spring with pink blossoms.These flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and bu