This little beauty has small, rounded pads, to only 5″ tall, that are dark green, turning reddish-bronze in bright light and cool weather. Forms handsome and colorful clumps to 15″ wide with obvious orange glochids but no spines. In late spring to early summer, large, pale yellow flowers appear, turning peachy for their second day. Best in full to light shade and lean, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant but occasional summer water improves appearance. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4. Also known as A. fragilis ‘Bronze Beauty.

BRITTLE PRICKLY PEAR

Cactaceae