Opuntia polyacantha is a common species of cactus known by the common names plains pricklypear, starvation pricklypear, hairspine cactus, and panhandle pricklypear. It is native to North America, where it is widespread in Western Canada, the Great Plains, the central and Western United States, and Chihuahua in northern Mexico.

Opuntia polyacantha grows up to 10-30 centimetres (4-12 in) tall. It forms low mats of pads which may be 2-3 m (6+1/2-9+7/8 ft) wide. Its succulent green pads are oval or circular and reach 27 by 18 cm (10+5/8 by 7+1/8 in) wide.

The flowers are 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1+5/8 in) long and may be yellow, magenta, or red in color (tending to turn pink or orange with age). The fruit is cylindrical, brownish, and spiny.

In its natural range it survives throughout an immense range of temperatures, ranging from -46 C (-50 F) in the Yukon Territory, Canada, to well above 38 C (100 F) in places like Chihuahua, Mexico. Individual plants tend to thrive in sandy soil.

Type: Hardy perennial

Hardiness zones: 3-8

Height: 10-30cm, 4-12"

Location: Sun

Seeds per packet: 10