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City of Fort Collins

grizzly bear cactus
Opuntia polyacantha var. trichophora


  Colorado

Dimensions
Height: 4.0 in. to 1.0 ft.
Spread: 1.5 ft. to 3.0 ft.
Growth Form
Shrub, Succulent/Cacti
Program Association
Nature in the City, Xeriscape Incentive Program
Wildlife Uses
Amphibians/Reptiles, Grassland Birds, Large Mammals, Medium-Sized Mammals, Pollinators/ Invertebrates, Shrubland Birds, Small Mammals
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Water Requirements
Very Low
Plant Community
Foothills, Plains
Season of Bloom
June, July, August
Flower Color
Orange Shades, Pink Shades, Yellow Shades
Leaf Color
Green Shades
Aggressiveness
No City Data
Design Considerations
Drought Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Winter Interest
Other Considerations
Deer Tolerant
Duration
Perennial
Soil Type
Variable
Pests/Disease Prone
No
Hazards/Toxic
Careful! Sharp Spines, Thorns Or Other Appendages.

Notes

USDA Plants National Database recognizes five varieties of O. polyacantha, all native to the western half of the U.S. Our Colorado native varieties polyacantha, trichophora, and hystricina vary slightly in appearance with the size and position of their spines.


Cactus should never be collected in the wild. Only purchase from sustainable and reputable sources that grow cactus and succulents, for vendors please see our “Where to Buy” page.


Popular with native bees.