NURSERY HOURS
Wednesday: 10-4, Thursday: 10-4, Friday – Saturday: 10-4, Sunday: 12-4

Optunia humifusa

 

Eastern Prickly Pear is an evergreen perennial in the Cactaceae family. This cactus makes a
great container plant, or will do well on slopes or dry areas. Yellow, orange, or red flowers
appear in summer followed by bright red/burgundy fruit. The fruit and the pads are both edible raw or cooked, but make sure to remove the spines first!

Key Info

Scientific Name: Optunia humifusa
Common Names: Eastern Prickly Pear
Family Names:
Light Requirement:
Moisture Requirement: ,
Leaf Retention:
Bloom Times: ,
Flower Color: Yellow, orange, red

Additional Info

Habit: Clumping, prostrate
Height: 0.5' - 1'
Spread: 1' - 2'
Soil Conditions: Rocky soil, clay, sandy soil
Leaves: Green pads
Flowers (or reproductive structures: Showy, cup-shaped
Fruit: Red/burgundy, edible
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Wildlife Connections: Birds eat the fruit
Propagation: Seed, stem cutting