Opuntia cacanapa 'Ellisiana', Spineless Prickly Pear

Opuntia 'Ellisiana' is a one of kind beauty.  The large pads start out a vivid green and then mature to a slate gray.  The height and texture of the pads makes this an awesome succulent for adding color and texture to the garden border.  The most sought after part of this prickly pear is that it is truly spineless.  There are no spines or glochids (barbed hairs) that stick in your skin.  Therefore, this beauty can be placed near high traffic areas without worrying about someone getting "bit".  You can also consume these pads much nicer than their eastern cousins.  Pay attention to the hardiness zone as they will not survive as far north as the eastern prickly pear but can be brought inside.

Mature Plant Size: 5' Tall, 3' Spread
Bloom Time: May/June
Light Exposure: Full Sun 
Soil Type/pH: Well-drained/6.0-7.0 
Hardiness Zones: 7-11 (protect in zone 7)

Fertilizer: A yearly dose of compost in late winter is normally sufficient, or you can use your favorite all-purpose fertilizer.  We don't recommend using liquid fertilizer with a high nitrogen analysis as they flop when overfed.
Plant Size: Unrooted pad; rooting instructions included.