General: Grizzlybear Cactus (Opuntia erinacea var. ursina) is low-growing cactus with broad, thin stem segments (pads). The pads are medium-sized for a pricklypear (to about 5-inches long by 3-inches wide).  The spines are dense, long (to 6 inches), usually gray, wavy, and flowing. The distinguishing feature of this variety of cactus is the long, flowing spines that sometimes completely obscure the pads.

Grizzlybear Cactus is a locally common (uncommon overall, but can be abundant in certain areas) component of vegetation communities on well-drained sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils along washes, canyons, and on upper bajadas and moderate slopes into the lower mountains in the Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub and Pinyon-Juniper Woodland) life zone.

Around Las Vegas, this cactus is found at middle elevations in the mountains, making it difficult to find without a hike. A few can be found near Willow Springs at Red Rock Canyon NCA (Petroglyph Wall Trail).

Family: Cactus (Cactaceae).

Other Names: Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea

Plant Form: Upright shrub spreading from the ground.

Height: To about 18-inches tall.

Trunk: None.

Stems: Divided into segments; flat and broad (pancake shaped). To about 5-inches long and 3-inches wide.

Stem Surface: Smooth.

Spines: Spines 4 to 24 per areole, in all areoles; to about 3-inches long (variable).

Glochids: Present.

Flowers: Blooms late spring and early summer. Inflorescence: Solitary from upper edge of pads. Flower: yellow to magenta, about 2-inches diameter; filaments white, style white, stigma green.

Fruit: Spiny.

Seeds:

Habitat: Dry, well-drained sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils on upper bajadas and moderate slopes in the mountains.

Distribution: Southern California to Utah and Arizona

Elevation: 3,000 to 7,000 feet.

Comments: This variety has recently been included in Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea.