Opuntia humifusa, Opuntia compressa
PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS, EASTERN DEVIL'S TONGUE, INDIAN FIG
SKU: 1891-010
Opuntia humifusa, commonly known as the devil's-tongue, eastern prickly pear or Indian fig, is a cactus native to the United States occurring along the East Coast of the United States, including on barrier islands from the Florida Keys to coastal Massachusetts. Eastern prickly pear is found in scattered locations from New Mexico and Montana eastward.
As is the case in other Opuntia species, the green stems of this low-growing perennial cactus are flattened and have barbed bristles around the surfaces, and longer spines are sometimes present. The flowers are yellow to gold in color, and are found along the margins. The flowers are waxy and sometimes have red centers. They measure 4-6 cm (1+5/8-2+3/8 in) across. This cactus blooms in the late spring.
The red or purple fruits measure from 3-5 cm (1.25-2"). As the fruit matures, it changes color from green to red, and often remains on the cactus until the following spring.
Prickly pear grows in hot, sunny locations with thin soil that does not hold water. It thrives in sunny, hot and dry environments with well-draining, sandy soil. It is capable of surviving cool winters unlike many cacti.
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Seeds per packet: 10
Opuntia humifusa, commonly known as the devil's-tongue, eastern prickly pear or Indian fig, is a cactus native to the United States occurring along the East Coast of the United States, including on barrier islands from the Florida Keys to coastal Massachusetts. Eastern prickly pear is found in scattered locations from New Mexico and Montana eastward.
As is the case in other Opuntia species, the green stems of this low-growing perennial cactus are flattened and have barbed bristles around the surfaces, and longer spines are sometimes present. The flowers are yellow to gold in color, and are found along the margins. The flowers are waxy and sometimes have red centers. They measure 4-6 cm (1+5/8-2+3/8 in) across. This cactus blooms in the late spring.
The red or purple fruits measure from 3-5 cm (1.25-2"). As the fruit matures, it changes color from green to red, and often remains on the cactus until the following spring.
Prickly pear grows in hot, sunny locations with thin soil that does not hold water. It thrives in sunny, hot and dry environments with well-draining, sandy soil. It is capable of surviving cool winters unlike many cacti.
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Seeds per packet: 10
