Perennials

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Opuntia humifusa

Also called Devil's Tongue, Compressed Cactus


Opuntia humifusa - Prickly Pear - Photo courtesy of Sean James Consulting & Design

More About Opuntia humifusa

  • AKA Opuntia compressa, Opuntia rafinesquei
  • Waxy, yellow flowers grow singularly or in small clusters along the top edge of the cactus pad
  • Blooms last one day
  • Edible, small, oval, bristly, red fruit follow the flower and turn yellow when ripe
  • Flat, fleshy, oval pads are covered in fine, barbed bristles
  • Each pad is about 25 cm long, 15 cm wide and 3 cm thick
  • Old pads are bluish-green and new growth is mid-green
  • Very drought tolerant and evergreen
  • Bloom Time: May to July

Interesting Notes:

Native to Ontario

Zone:

3

Height:

20-30 cm

Spread:

75-90 cm

Colour:

Yellow
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Prickly Pear Growing and Maintenance Tips

Thrives in at least a half day of sun in dry, sandy or rocky soils. Loamy soils are tolerated if well-drained. Can be found in sandy woodlands, prairies, rocky bluffs, sand dunes, and gravelly areas along railroads. 


Opuntia humifusa Characteristics

Full Sun
Full Sun
Rabbit Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Native to Ontario
Native to Ontario
Evergreen
Evergreen
Drought Tolerant
Drought Tolerant
Heat Tolerant
Heat Tolerant
Rock garden
Rock garden
Ground cover
Ground cover

Soil Moisture

Average to Dry Soils
Well-drained

Growth Rate

Slow

Attributes

Xeriscape
Fruit

Flowering Time

Spring
Lt. Spr-Sum
Summer

Habit

Compact
Clumping

Foliage Color

Green
Blue

Landscape uses

Rooftop (extensive)
Naturalizing
Roadside planting
Border/edging