Opuntia humifusa
prickly-pear cactus

Notes:

AKA O. compressa. Given that this species is actually native from Connecticut all the way to Montana, I don't know why AHS claims cold hardiness only to USDA zone 11. Just another example of the importance of consulting multiple sources whenever possible.

May cause contact dermatitis even if you avoid the visible spines.

Suitable as a small-scale groundcover. Clay tolerance is conditional on good drainage.

Sources: Sunset, Missouri BG, NCSU.

Tags:

clay tolerant
deer resistant
drought tolerant
easy to grow
edible fruit
exposure:full sun
form:perennial (herbaceous)
habit:prostrate/trailing
native:eastern North America
persistence:evergreen
pest/disease free
roots:shallow
salt tolerant
sandy soil tolerant
showy flowers
thorns
type:broadleaf
use:cut flowers
use:groundcover
use:naturalizing
use:rock garden
water:moderate to little
well-drained soil required


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