Description

Key Information:

Soil: Xeric (Dry)
Sun: Full Sun – Part Sun
Height: 1 foot
Color: Yellow
Blooms: June – July

More Details:

Suggested Uses: Did you know that we have a cactus that is native to Minnesota? (We actually have a few!) Prickly Pear grows well in dry gardens and dry container gardens. They are tolerant of humidity and some moisture. These have gorgeous yellow flowers with lots of delicate petals.

Native Range: Native to the eastern half of the U.S. Native to the Southeastern corner of Minnesota.

Pollinators: Bees and moths.

Flowers: The flowers are up to 3″ in diameter. Flowers are very short-lived and give way to round, edible fruits.

Leaves: The leaves are broad and flat with lots of spines.

Interesting Facts

Food Uses: Fruits are edible when ripe and are eaten raw and in jelly. Young tender leaf pads are served in many Mexican style dishes.
Other Uses: The mucilaginous juice from the stem was used by the Dakota and Pawnee to fix colors painted on hides.
More Info: Some parts of the plant are poisonous

Other Names:  Devil’s Tongue, Smooth Prickly Pear

More information: USDA plant profile