Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly Pear cactus

Nyla Martin
used with permission

 

Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifosa)

Cacti are typically assumed to be confined to the desert; however, this is not true of Opuntia humifusa. The eastern prickly pear cactus is the only native cactus found in the northeast and is highly abundant along sandy habitats. This low growing plant has flattened stems called paddles that contain barbed bristles and in May and June, mature cacti produce yellow, waxy flowers. These flowers eventually die away and leave behind a red fruit. Although edible, the gathering or harvesting of any species within NPS sites is not permitted.