Cactus
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear
Opuntia microdasys · Cactaceae
Also called: Bunny Ears Cactus, Angel's Wings, Polka-dot Cactus, Honey Mike
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear (Opuntia microdasys) is a low-water cactus well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun to part shade, with a moderate growth rate.
Bunny Ears Prickly Pear at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade. In Tucson it appreciates some protection from the most intense reflected afternoon sun, especially in pots, to avoid scald; bright morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
- Mature size
- Shrubby clump typically 1-3 ft tall and 2-4 ft wide over time, built from flat 2-6 in oval pads.
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom
- Pale to creamy yellow flowers (some forms blush red), followed by reddish-purple fruit., Spring into early summer in the low desert; blooms only on mature plants in good light.
- Cold hardiness
- Frost-sensitive relative to native prickly pears; hardy to roughly the low-to-mid 20s F. In Tucson it usually survives normal winters but pads can be damaged in hard freezes; protect or site in a warm microclimate, and grow in pots that can be moved if a hard frost is forecast.
- Soil
- Fast-draining sandy or gritty cactus soil; tolerates poor, rocky, alkaline desert soils. Avoid heavy clay and standing water.
- Native range
- Native to the central and northern highlands of Mexico; not native to Arizona, though widely grown as an ornamental in the low desert.
- Best used as
- Ornamental accent, Container and patio plant, Cactus/rock gardens, Whimsical 'bunny' silhouette specimen
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees; fruit is eaten by birds and wildlife. Glochids make it less browse-prone.
- Toxicity
- Not chemically toxic, but a significant mechanical irritant: the dense pads of tiny barbed glochids detach at the lightest touch and lodge in skin, eyes, and pets' mouths/paws, causing irritation. Keep away from play areas, walkways, and pets.
How to grow Bunny Ears Prickly Pear in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently in the warm season (about every 2-3 weeks), letting soil dry completely between; cut off water in winter. Overwatering causes pad rot and corky scarring.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Light feeders. A single application of dilute, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer in spring supports new pad growth; none needed in fall or winter.
Pruning & care
Remove pads by cutting at the joint (with tongs) to control size or shape; detached pads root easily. Always wear thick gloves and use tongs because of glochids.
Notes
The spineless look is deceptive - the glochid patches are the main hazard, so place it well away from foot traffic, seating, and pet zones. A popular nursery and container plant in Tucson; the monstrose form is also sold locally.
Sources: Gardenia.net - Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ears Cactus); Green Things Nursery (Tucson) - Opuntia microdasys 'Monstrose'; Epic Gardening - Opuntia microdasys care