Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia humifusa
Evergreen, succulent pads that sprawl along the ground. Brilliant yellow flowers followed by tasty edible red fruit. Pads have numerous tufts of bristles which can pierce human skin and cause significant allergic skin reactions. Good for ground cover, and erosion control. The roots need to be dry during winter to prevent rot, so well-drained sites are necessary. Tolerant to drought, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil, and salt. Northeaster U.S. Native and native to Rockland.
Height: 6 -12”
Spread: 12 -18”
Pot size: 3 qt.
Bloom time: June to July
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Dry
Attracts: Birds, pollinators
Deer Resistance: Yes
Photo: CCE MGV Ginger Hughes
Opuntia humifusa
Evergreen, succulent pads that sprawl along the ground. Brilliant yellow flowers followed by tasty edible red fruit. Pads have numerous tufts of bristles which can pierce human skin and cause significant allergic skin reactions. Good for ground cover, and erosion control. The roots need to be dry during winter to prevent rot, so well-drained sites are necessary. Tolerant to drought, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil, and salt. Northeaster U.S. Native and native to Rockland.
Height: 6 -12”
Spread: 12 -18”
Pot size: 3 qt.
Bloom time: June to July
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Dry
Attracts: Birds, pollinators
Deer Resistance: Yes
Photo: CCE MGV Ginger Hughes
Opuntia humifusa
Evergreen, succulent pads that sprawl along the ground. Brilliant yellow flowers followed by tasty edible red fruit. Pads have numerous tufts of bristles which can pierce human skin and cause significant allergic skin reactions. Good for ground cover, and erosion control. The roots need to be dry during winter to prevent rot, so well-drained sites are necessary. Tolerant to drought, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil, and salt. Northeaster U.S. Native and native to Rockland.
Height: 6 -12”
Spread: 12 -18”
Pot size: 3 qt.
Bloom time: June to July
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Dry
Attracts: Birds, pollinators
Deer Resistance: Yes
Photo: CCE MGV Ginger Hughes