About Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm.
Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm. is a short species in the Opuntia genus, rarely growing over 30 cm (1 foot) tall. It spreads horizontally and forms wide clumps. Its flowers are showy, bright yellow, and often have red markings near the base of the petals. Its fruits are narrow, red, juicy, and edible. This species prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, and grows mostly in grassland areas. It occurs throughout the Great Plains of the United States, ranging from Texas to Minnesota, and west into the Rocky Mountain states to New Mexico and Utah, and possibly Idaho. It also has sporadic populations in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. It has been reported from northern Mexico, in the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Durango, Tamaulipas, and San Luís Potosí. However, all records from Arizona and Mexico should be treated with caution, as this species is often confused with other similar species. Opuntia macrorhiza is cultivated as an ornamental plant in other locations outside its native range.
