Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys): Polka-Dot Spined Charmer

Overview

Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys), also called Polka Dot Cactus or Angel's Wings, is a dense, shrubby opuntia composed of paired, oval pads covered in dense clusters of tiny, golden-yellow glochids (barbed hairs) that look like polka dots. No large spines. The pads resemble rabbit ears. In spring, lemon-yellow flowers bloom at pad edges, followed by red fruit. The glochids detach easily and are painfully irritating—handle with tongs and gloves. A popular, compact windowsill and patio cactus.

Key Features

• Pads: Paired, oval; dense golden glochids; no large spines.
• Flowers: Lemon-yellow; spring.
• Fruit: Red, fleshy.
• Caution: Glochids detach easily; severe irritant.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to bright light.

Water

Low. Water when dry. Dry winter.

Soil

Well-drained cactus mix.

Handling

Use tongs, gloves. Glochids penetrate skin.

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Species:	microdasys (my-kro-DAS-is)
Synonyms:	Opuntia microdasys var. microdasys, Cactus microdasys, Opuntia macrocalyx