Eastern prickly pear cactus (Opuntia compressa) Synonyms:  Opuntia humifusa Genus:  Opuntia Prickly pear cactus is a clump-forming and semi-prostrate plant. Flattened round-to-oval green pads 2-10 inches across have scattered needle-like spines and tufts of glochids (bristles). Showy bright yellow flowers appear in late spring and summer, maturing to edible, pulpy, red or purple fruit. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Bristles cause intense skin irritation and are difficult to remove. This plant becomes scraggly as the pads lose water before winter, greening up again in spring. Care:  Easy to grow in dry, sandy, or gravelly soil. Tolerates clay soil with good drainage. Naturalizes by pads breaking off and rooting. Propagation:  From separated root stem segments. Problems:  Cladode rots, zonate leaf spot, black spot, mealybugs, and scale insects. Also bacterial soft rot and viruses.

Overview

Height 6 in. to 12 in. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry Characteristics Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring, Summer Flower Color Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Naturalizing Style Desert Garden, Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Cacti and Succulents