Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Monday - February 09, 2009

From: Henderson, NV
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Where can I find Opuntia santa-rita?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

Dear Mr. Plants - I'm trying to locate a type of opuntia violacea-santa rita. (Purple prickly pear) Instead of the normal pads, this cactus has rippled pads that almost look like a type of coral. It's stunning! Do you know the name and perhaps where I could buy one in the Las Vegas area? Thanks

ANSWER:

The Purple Prickly Pear Opuntia santa-rita (Santa Rita pricklypear) has several synonyms including: Opuntia gosseliniana var. santa-rita, Opuntia chlorotica var. santa-rita, Opuntia violacea var. santa-rita.

I went to our web page and cilcked on "Suppliers" and this brought up our National Suppliers Directory. I typed in Las Vegas, NV in the appropriate box and got a list of businesses in the vicinity that sell native plants or seeds and provide professional landscape or consulting services. Blue Diamond Nursery on the list sells Purple Prickly Pear. You can also find the plant on the web at the Cactus Store, and Dave's Garden.


Opuntia santa-rita

 

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Sources for Paronychia virginica in Virginia
May 16, 2007 - Greetings, I noticed that you have Paronychia virginica for sale in your spring plant sale. Despite the plant sharing the name of my fair state, I've been unable to find a source for it. Given...
view the full question and answer

Finding pictures in the Image Gallery from San Luis Obispo CA
August 23, 2009 - How can I select a picture when I don't know the photographer or anything else, just the name of the plant?
view the full question and answer

Purchase sources of Buffalograss from Corpus Christi TX
March 17, 2012 - I've heard a lot of good things about Buffalograss, but no one in my area seems to carry it. One grower actually told me it didn't grow well here and recommended St. Augustine Floratam instead. Is ...
view the full question and answer

Native lawn grass for Seabrook TX
March 12, 2013 - We want to seed our lawn in Seabrook, Tx.77586 with a Natural Grass replacing our St. Augustine Grass. I think there is one that is drought resistant (only water it twice a month.) and that does not g...
view the full question and answer

Where to buy native grass seeds for Blanco County Texas
April 07, 2010 - Can you recommend what kind and where to buy native grass seeds to sow on land in Blanco County which has just been cleared of cedar and burned?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.