Common Prickly Pear
Opuntia macrorhiza. USDA zone 4a-9b, hardy to -20F. Lives: Back patio.
About this Common Prickly Pear
Opuntia macrorhiza, commonly known as the Plains Prickly Pear, is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial cactus native to the central and southern United States, including Oklahoma. This evergreen succulent typically reaches less than 10in tall and forms mats up to 3–5ft wide. It produces rounded or oval, dull green (sometimes bluish-green) fleshy pads 2–5in long, which store water during dry periods. Each pad is armed with long, straight spines (up to 2.5in), clusters of needle-like glochids that can cause skin irritation, and striking, papery yellow flowers with red bases that bloom from June to July. Its fruits ripen in late summer to fall as fleshy, reddish-purple "pears," which are edible and commonly used in candies and jams. Opuntia macrorhiza prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, and is remarkably tolerant of drought and poor soils.