Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)
Full sun
Low water needs
Size: 2-3 ft tall x 1-4 ft wide
Bloom Time: February to July
Prickly pear is a very showy native cactus that thrives in full sun! The green paddles and fruit are edible. Please be careful to remove all of the thorns prior to cooking. When choosing where to plant it, pick a site away from walking paths so the thorns do not accidentally poke you. It is attractive to a variety of insect pollinators, including the Meske’s Skipper. If you have the space and sunny location, opuntia is definitely worth considering for your native landscape.
https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/opuntia-stricta
Low water needs
Size: 2-3 ft tall x 1-4 ft wide
Bloom Time: February to July
Prickly pear is a very showy native cactus that thrives in full sun! The green paddles and fruit are edible. Please be careful to remove all of the thorns prior to cooking. When choosing where to plant it, pick a site away from walking paths so the thorns do not accidentally poke you. It is attractive to a variety of insect pollinators, including the Meske’s Skipper. If you have the space and sunny location, opuntia is definitely worth considering for your native landscape.
https://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/opuntia-stricta
