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Mission Cactus, Indian Fig Cactus
Opuntia ficus-indica
Large growing cactus is an excellent foundation plant, if you have the room. The leaves or pads of this plant called 'Nopales' have been a food source in Mexico for hundreds of years and have gained increasing popularity in the United States as well. The large fruits are prized by both humans and desert wildlife. This plant probably got its common name from its prolific planting around old Spanish Missions.
- Plant type: Cactus
- Maintenance level: Low
- Water requirement: Low
- Sun exposure: Full
- Height range: 10–15 Feet
- Width range: 8–10 Feet
- Canopy value: 79 ft²
- Growth rate: Medium
- Flower color: Yellow
- Flower season: Summer
- Fruit color: Yellow, Purple
- Fruit season: Summer
- Design style: Thorns/Spines
- Hardiness cold tolerance: 15 °F
- Soil preference: Sand, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
- Native location: Probably Mexico, exact origins are unknown
- PH preference: Alkaline/Basic
- Sunset zones: 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
- USDA hardiness zone: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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