Mail Order Catalog Fall 2010 - Cistus Nursery

* Opuntia compressa [Indiana collection] eastern prickly pear
Collected on stable sand dunes in southern Indiana and given to us some years ago, this is a native of the eastern
and central states. Five inch, rounded pads of bright green spread to fairly dense clumps, to about 6” high and 3
ft across in as many years. Chartreuse and yellow flowers appear in mid summer. These moisture tolerant cacti
also tolerate drought; they need sun and an open spot to grow. Very good container or rock garden plants
spilling nicely over any edges. Frost hardy to -30F or lower, USDA zone 4.
$14.00
$17.00
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Cactaceae
* Opuntia (Cylindropuntia) spinosior cane cholla
Tall, architectural cactus found in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in Mexico and growing up to
8 ft tall with thick joints that are gray-green and tinted purple, with darker purple tones in winter, and covered in
gray spines. The flowers that appear in late spring to early summer can vary in color from white to yellow to red
or purple - in this clone purple. Best in lean soil and bright light with little to no summer water. Frost hardy to
-20F, USDA zone 5.
Cactaceae
Opuntia erinacea x O. fragilis var. columbiana 'Clarno'
Particularly attractive form of this lovely native from the painted desert country in Central Oregon. Rounded
pads, to 3" across, bear evenly spaced, golden spines and form clumps to 18" tall. Lean, well-drained soil
provides the best site in the garden with little water in summer. Frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 5, or lower. A
good container or rock garden plant.
$11.00
$12.00
Cactaceae
* Opuntia fragilis - dwarf golden
Shared with us by friend Panayoti Kelaidis of Denver, this small mat former, quickly to about 3" high x 18" wide
and eventually larger, has 1/2" pads with golden glochids and spines. Shy to flower. Very attractive in troughs,
pots, or rock gardens, anywhere a low sun angle can can make the golden spines glow. Cactus conditions
required -- sun, lean and well-drained soil, and little summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 4.
Cactaceae
Opuntia fragilis SBH 6778 brittle prickly pear
Lovely compact form, Sean's collection from the dry hills east of Ashland, Oregon. To only 4” or so. Slow to
bloom but when they do, the flower color is deep, chartreuse-yellow. This one is capable of withstanding any
amount of winter moisture -- short of submersion. Frost hardy in at least USDA zone 4.
$7.00
$12.00
Cactaceae
* Opuntia humifusa - dwarf from Claude Barr
This early selection by Great Plains plantsman Claude Barr grows to only 5-6" in height but forms a rather dense
mat of rounded, shiny green and nearly spineless pads to about 3 ft wide. Cheery yellow flowers appear in
summer followed by reddish fruit. Fabulous for planters or as spillers and easy to grow in most soil provided
there is no standing water. Some summer water helps to push growth. Frost hardy in USDA zone 3 or 4.
Cactaceae
Spring 2010 Mail Order Catalog (* = new to mail order list)