Spineless Prickly Pear | Hardy Thornless Cactus

Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear

5 Gallon

$79.90

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Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear

Opuntia cacanapa 'Ellisiana'

A completely spineless prickly pear with striking blue-green pads, showy yellow flowers, and edible fruits.

$79.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear is a superior, ornamental cultivar prized for its striking blue-green pads and, most notably, its complete lack of spines and glochids . This exceptionally user-friendly cactus forms a dense, mounding clump of broad, flattened, spineless pads that create a bold, architectural presence in the landscape without the risk of painful encounters. In late spring to early summer, it produces an abundance of large, luminous yellow to coppery-orange flowers, followed by attractive, edible purple-red fruits in summer. Cold-hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, it is an ideal choice for water-wise gardens, foundation plantings, and containers, offering the iconic beauty of a prickly pear without the spines.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Broad, flattened, oval pads (cladodes) in a distinctive blue-green to gray-green; completely spineless with no glochids (fine barbed bristles) ; large (3-4 inch), showy, cup-shaped flowers in bright yellow to coppery-orange in late spring to early summer .
Fruit: Oval to pear-shaped, fleshy, smooth-skinned fruits ripening to purple-red in summer; edible with sweet, mildly tart flesh .
Mature Height: 3-4 ft
Mature Spread: 4-6 ft (spreading, clump-forming)
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-11 ; Sunset 4-9, 16-22
Light Requirement: Full sun
Core Benefits: Completely spineless and glochid-free, striking blue-green pads, showy yellow-orange flowers, cold hardy, drought tolerant, edible fruits
Best Uses: Foundation plantings, xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, low barriers, mass plantings, containers, family-friendly gardens

Q: Is 'Ellisiana' truly spineless?
A: Yes, it is specifically bred and selected to be completely free of spines and glochids (the fine, barbed bristles that cause irritation on most prickly pears). The pads are smooth to the touch, making it a safe choice for family gardens and areas where people and pets will be nearby .

Q: How cold hardy is it?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 7-11, tolerating winter temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C) when planted in well-drained soil . In colder zones, it can be grown in a container and overwintered indoors.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: It is highly drought-tolerant once established. During the growing season, water deeply but infrequently—approximately once a month in summer is sufficient . Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot. Reduce or stop watering in winter .

Q: Can it be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it is an excellent container plant . Use a large pot with excellent drainage and a cactus/succulent potting mix. Container plants will need more frequent watering than those in the ground, but still require the soil to dry out between waterings. Its spineless nature makes it safe for patios and decks .

Q: What are the best uses for this plant?
A: Its compact, mounding habit and spineless nature make it incredibly versatile. It is ideal for foundation plantings, low barriers, mass plantings, rock gardens, and xeriscape designs . It also works well as a specimen in containers and can be used to create a low, colorful hedge .

Q: Is the fruit edible, and how do I harvest it?
A: Yes, the purple-red fruits (tunas) are edible and have a sweet, mildly tart flavor. Because 'Ellisiana' has reduced or absent glochids on the fruit, harvest is much easier. Simply twist or cut the ripe fruit from the pad when it turns deep red and feels slightly soft. Rinse and enjoy fresh, or use in jams, juices, and desserts .