Chenille Prickly Pear (Opuntia aciculata): A Prickly Pear with Hair-Like Glochids Resembling Chenille

Chenille Prickly Pear, or Old Man Whiskers, is named for its dense covering of long, slender, yellowish to brown glochids (hair-like spines) that give the pads a soft, fuzzy, chenille-like texture—deceptively inviting but painfully irritating. The pads are blue-green; yellow flowers with red centers appear in spring. Native to Texas and Mexico, it’s a conversation piece for its unique spine morphology.

Taxonomic Profile

Handling and Culture

Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant. Hardy to 10°F (-12°C). Handle ONLY with heavy gloves and tongs; glochids detach easily and embed in skin. Use in barrier plantings or as a curiosity in cactus gardens.