• A vibrant yellow flower of Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) bursts open, revealing a dense ring of pollen-laden stamens surrounding a bright green center. The delicate, crinkled petals contrast with the sharp, spiny pads in the background.
  • A single Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) bloom glows in the sun, nestled among dry grasses. The golden petals unfurl above the spiny green pads, while unopened flower buds hint at more blooms to come.
  • The soft, translucent petals of a Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) flower catch the light, forming a delicate cup atop the spiny green pad. A reddish tinge at the petal tips adds a subtle contrast to the bright yellow bloom.
  • A dense patch of Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia polyacantha) spreads across a dry landscape, its green pads covered in long, sharp spines. Numerous yellow flowers and buds decorate the sprawling cluster, creating a striking desert display.
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Wild About Flowers

Opuntia polyacantha - Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia polyacantha - Prickly Pear Cactus

$5.00 CAD
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Prickly Pear Cactus has flat, spiny pads that store water, allowing it to withstand extreme conditions, while vibrant yellow flowers bloom in summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. By late summer, edible red fruits develop, providing a food source for birds, wildlife, and foragers alike. In nature, it offers shelter for small mammals and reptiles, protecting them from predators. The pads are also edible when de-spined and cooked, offering a nutritious, mucilaginous texture. However, its sharp, barbed, hair-like spines can cause skin irritation, so handling with care is essential.

A resilient and functional addition to both urban and rural landscapes, Prickly Pear Cactus is a hardy, drought-tolerant succulent that thrives in dry prairies and rocky slopes, making it ideal for xeriscapes and self-sustaining landscapes. It is exceptionally cold-hardy, surviving temperatures as low as -40 °C. Its spines and tough outer surfaces deter nearly all herbivores, offering excellent protection and high resistance to deer grazing.

Bloom Times & Plant Sizes

Important Information - The "Bloom Period" is an indicator of the time period within which the wildflowers will bloom and does not describe the time period that a single plant will bloom.  The "Sizes" listed are intended to be a general guideline to consult during plant selection. - Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seeds Per Package: 5

Light Conditions

  • Sun

Soil Conditions

  • Well Drained
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Dry

Height

  • Under 12"
  • 12" - 24"

Width

  • Spreading

Bloom Colour

  • Yellow

Month of Bloom

  • June
  • July

Vigorousness

  • Moderate

Deer Resistance

  • High

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Used as Groundcover
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to western Canada, Prickly Pear Cactus is found throughout AB, and SK, and in parts of MB, and BC, with it's range extending through the western and central US. It thrives in prairies, badlands, foothills, and arid grasslands, often growing in sandy or rocky soils.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

The fruits and pads of Opuntia polyacantha were traditionally harvested for food, with spines removed before consumption. Medicinally, the pads were used as a poultice to soothe burns, wounds, and inflammation, while infusions or juices were taken for digestive issues and general healing.