Opuntia humifusa

Also called Devil's Tongue, Compressed Cactus

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
Evergreen and very drought-tolerant
Bloom Time: May to July

ZONE:
3

COLOUR:
Yellow

HEIGHT:
20-30 cm

SPREAD:
75-90 cm

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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.

Additional Notes about Prickly Pear:

Native to Ontario

Endangered species. Larval host for several insects including moths such as the beautiful Arge Tiger Moth. The flowers attract many species of bees, and the fruit feeds quail, turkeys, opossums, deer, and other mammals. The spiny pads are eaten by certain animals, notably the endangered Ornate Box Turtle.