Plant Database

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Opuntia littoralis

Opuntia littoralis (Engelm.) Cockerell

Coastal Pricklypear, Short Coastal Prickly-pear

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: OPLI3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Sprawling prickly-pear up to 2 feet high and several feet wide.

The Short Coastal Prickly-pear is often found in huge colonies, its glistening red fruits contrasting with its yellow-green stems. It is most common in southwestern California, where is usually dwells in the California chaparral. Cochineal insects often feed on the Short Coastal Prickly-pear and a relative, Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian Fig). The female insect produces a red dye that is used by southern peoples for staining fabrics.