The Staghorn Cholla (Opuntia versicolor), also known as the Velvet Opuntia, is a versatile and colorful prickly pear native to Tucson's Sonoran Desert. This hardy cactus features segmented pads that vary in color from green to purple, especially in cooler temperatures, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. In spring, it produces vibrant pink to magenta flowers, followed by reddish-purple, edible fruits that attract wildlife. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Perfect for naturalistic plantings, xeriscapes, or as a wildlife-friendly addition, Opuntia versicolor brings beauty, texture, and resilience to desert gardens.
Opuntia versicolor
Opuntia versicolor
Staghorn Cholla
The Staghorn Cholla (Opuntia versicolor), also known as the Velvet Opuntia, is a versatile and colorful prickly pear native to Tucson's Sonoran Desert. This hardy cactus features segmented pads that vary in color from green to purple, especially in cooler temperatures, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. In spring, it produces vibrant pink to magenta flowers, followed by reddish-purple, edible fruits that attract wildlife. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Perfect for naturalistic plantings, xeriscapes, or as a wildlife-friendly addition, Opuntia versicolor brings beauty, texture, and resilience to desert gardens.
| Plant Type | Native |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Flower Color | Yellow, Red, Green, Purple, Pink, Orange |
| Flower Season | Mid Spring, Late Spring, Summer |
| Growth Rate | |
| Height | 6-7 ft |
| Spread | 4-8 ft |
| Spacing | 8 ft |
| Characteristics | Fruit & Berries, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Specimen |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Rocky Soil |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
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This catalog is for reference purposes. Plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
