Opuntia Opuntia polyacantha *Opuntia polyacantha* is a common species of cactus known by the common names plains pricklypear, hairspine cactus, panhandle pricklypear, and starvation pricklypear. It is native to North America, where it is widespread in western Canada, the central and western United States, and northern Mexico. Opuntia polyacantha Haw. PLANTS:OPPO WIKIPEDIA:Opuntia_polyacantha hairspine cactus panhandle pricklypear plains prickly pear plains pricklypear plains pricklypear plant starvation prickle starvation pricklypear ready for release