Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus

Description from Prairie Moon Nursery

Opuntia humifusa (Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus) blooms from June to July with large bright yellow flowers two to three inches wide, sometimes with peach-colored centers. The stems and pads of Opuntia humifusa are flat and covered with clusters of short, very sharp bristles. Always wear thick gloves if/when you need to work around these plants! The barrel-shaped, edible fruits turn reddish purple as they ripen (see corresponding photo). For winter survival, the pads dry up to the point of appearing dead before revival in spring.

Opuntia humifusa prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives best in sandy prairies. It grows well with many companion plants also suited to hot, dry conditions such as those outlined in our Shortgrass Dry Sand seed mix.

Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus pads can be placed into sand, literally, cutting-side down, making this a very easy transplant.

• Catalog Number     OPU04S
• Scientific Name     Opuntia humifusa
• Common Name     Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus
• Germination Code     A
• Wetland Code     UPL
• Sun Exposure     Prairie , Savanna
• Soil Moisture     Dry
• Height     6 inches
• Bloom Color     Yellow
• Bloom Time     June , July
• Plant Type     Ferns & Cacti
• Availability     Seeds , Roots
• Seeds / Ounce: 1,400
• Seeds / Packet: 20