Prickly Pear – A Cactus for the East
Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) is a member of the wide-ranging Cactus family (Cactaceae). Prickly pear, like most Cactaceae, are indigenous to the Americas. Opuntia humifusa has a large native range and is found in a many sections of the United States, from New Mexico north to Montana and east of the Mississippi, from Florida to Massachusetts and even into Canada. It is worth noting that there is debate about the taxonomy of Opuntia species. O. mesacantha, Southeastern prickly pear, and O. humifusa, Eastern prickly pear, are almost identical in both appearance and behavior and are confused, even by professionals. O. mesacantha is said to grow in the coastal areas of Virginia and has long spines while O. humifusa, with tufts rather than spines, is found in other parts of the state. O. humifusa is the species commonly sold in nurseries. Because the two Opuntia in Virginia are difficult to distinguish, this article will refer to all Opuntia as Opuntia humifusa.
Prickly pear in flower (Opuntia humifusa), Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
Attributes of Prickly Pear
Eastern prickly pear is an unusual plant that, although native to Virginia, seems out of place in our moist, temperate climate. Also known as Devil’s Tongue, Eastern prickly pear is an evergreen, perennial succulent. A typical cactus, it has thick, flattened stems that occur in segments (called cladodes) growing up to 10 inches long. These stems or pads perform photosynthesis and also store water. The pads of O. humifusa have clusters of reddish bristles rather than the spines we think of on a cactus. It is seldom bothered by deer or rabbits and, when grown in it preferred site, has few pest or disease problems. In Florida and other warm climates, it can grow to shrub size, but in Virginia it sprawls along the ground forming wide colonies growing up to 20 inches tall. Its preference for hot, dry areas help solve problems in some of our toughest gardening spots.
Growing Prickly Pear
Prickly pear in the snow
Photo by Deborah Harriman
Prickly pear grows in poor, sandy or gravelly soil in open, sunny spots, making it a perfect plant for hell strips, rock gardens, or other arid areas. It will grow in clay as long as the site does not hold moisture. Moist, rich soils encourage soft, rapid growth which can cause rot or lead to pest and disease. In the eastern part of Virginia, look for it on dunes; in the Piedmont, it is seen growing along roadsides, in barren lots, and even on large rock outcrops. According to Virginia Tech, prickly pear tolerates saline soil and salt spray. An unusual plant at all times, prickly pear is at its most striking in late spring and early summer when it bursts into bloom. The showy, bright yellow flowers are waxy and can be 2-3 inches across with yellow stamens. Some have an orange or reddish center. The flowers are diurnal, only lasting a single day, but the plant can bloom 4 weeks or more. During the month-long bloom period, prickly pear is valuable to pollinators. The pollen-producing antlers at the center of the flowers attract both long and short tongued bees, including bumble bees, carpenter bees, digger bees, and leaf-cutting bees. Nectar nestles below the antlers and, as the bees dive in to take nourishment, they brush against the antlers. The antlers are thigmotactic, meaning they curl over at the touch of a bee, depositing the pollen. O. humifusa is also a host plant for several moth caterpillars and butterflies are known to visit. Large berries appear after the flowers recede and ripen to a burgundy red in the fall. The edible, oblong berries grow to be 1-3 inches and have large seeds. The pads shrivel and turn gray in the winter but chemicals in its cells allow it to survive the freezing temperatures of its northern range. It is best to remove weeds that have grown up and around prickly pear in late winter when the pads are still shriveled so there is more room to reach into the plant and work around the pads. As temperatures warm, the pads green up, swell with new growth, and the spines become more pronounced and uncomfortable to touch. Always wear gloves when working with prickly pear.
Swallowtail on prickly pear
Photo: Clinton & Charles Robertson, courtesy Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Propagating Prickly Pear
If there is a drawback to prickly pear, it is that it can spread far and wide, even into areas where it is not welcome. In pastures of the middle states, it is sometimes a hazard for grazing animals. Some gardeners control is growth by planting prickly pear in pots.
If additional plants are desired, propagation is simple. To do so, cut a section from a pad that is a least 6 months old and allow the section to sit for a week or two until a callus to forms on the cut. At this point, plant the section upright about 1 inch into a mixture of sand and soil or a growing medium. Keep the cutting in a sunny spot and do not water for about a month. Then, water sparingly (about once a week) until roots take hold. Growing prickly pear from seed is possible but a slow process.
Eating Prickly Pear
Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America ate both the fruits and pads of prickly pear and often used the sap for medicinal purposes. The pads of prickly pear cactus, called nopales, can be cut and simmered, sautéed, or grilled, then added to recipes where they add a taste similar to green beans. Sautéed nopales mixed into scrambled eggs is a popular dish in the southwest U.S.
Wear gloves while scraping off the spines and then cut the pads into slivers before cooking. The berries can be eaten raw after removing the skin, or boiled and made into juice or jams. Prickly pear juice is available online in cans or bottles and is said to be nutritious with a melon-like flavor. According to the Mayo Clinic, prickly pear is not a “super-food” but is rich in fiber, anti-oxidants, and carotenoids. Consuming prickly pear juice can decrease blood sugar levels and is said to reduce the unpleasant effects of a hangover.
Prickly Pear in the Home Landscape
I recently saw a hillside covered with prickly pear cactus. It was still gray and limp due to winter cold, but I can imagine how lovely it will be when bursting into bloom this summer. Certainly that hillside will not need to be mowed! Try prickly pear as a practical solution in barren, dry areas such as a hell strip or simply to add interest and beauty where ever it is planted.
Featured Photo of Opuntia humifusa, courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
Sources
“Opuntia humifusa”, Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora
“Eastern Prickly Pear”, Missouri Department of Conservation
“Eastern Prickly Pear”, U.S. Forest Service
“Flora of the Southeastern United States”, North Carolina Botanical Garden
“Opuntia humifusa”, North Carolina Extension
“Prickly Pears bloom for pollinators”, University of Illinois Extension
“Trees and Shrubs that Tolerate Saline Soils and Salt Spray Drift“, Virginia Tech
It sounds interesting. I don’t know if it is available in our nurseries in Northern Va.
Good information. Now to find a place in the garden!