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       Oklahoma Wildflowers serves as an introduction to The Wonderful World of Oklahoma Wildflowers with a linked list to the site which which has general plant information and images useful for identification and educational purposes.
        Since space is limited here I will add photos and information about plants blooming during the current month. For more detailed information and images go to the linked address. Unless noted, all photos were taken in Oklahoma
        For detailed information on using the Wonderful World of Oklahoma Wildflowers scroll to the end of this page or click on a flower common name on the list.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Prickly Pear Cactus


Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)

       Found in the eastern two thirds of the United States, the Prickly Pear Cactus or Devils Tongue, often thought of as a desert plant, is found in fields, roadsides and open wooded areas, growing and thriving in northern, temperate climates as far north as Canada.
       Blooming in late spring and early summer the beautiful two to three inch yellow flowers, sometimes tinged with reddish brown, are short lived as are most cactus flowers.
       The fruit and stem of the Prickly Pear is eatable and sold in some grocery stores. Harvesting the fruits, without gloves, is not recommended since the sharp, barbed spines are painful and difficult to remove.

Due to the over harvesting of wild populations some species of Cactus are classified as threatened or endangered.

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