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.