Cactus apple
Opuntia engelmannii
- Cactaceae
- Dicot
- Perennial
- Shrub
About Cactus apple
The cactus apple is a wonderful native shrub that brings life to any sunny spot in your garden. Birds and other wildlife absolutely love the pretty yellow flowers that bloom in spring, and they'll feast on the sweet red fruits that follow. The plant itself has a lovely sculptural quality with its flat, paddle-shaped stems, and it needs almost no fussing once it's established. It's a real showstopper that looks good year-round.
Growing this tough perennial is refreshingly simple. Plant it in a sunny location with well-draining soil, and then let it be. Water it occasionally during the first season to help it get established, but after that, nature mostly takes care of itself. It thrives on neglect, honestly. You'll love having this low-maintenance beauty in your landscape, and your local wildlife will thank you too.