// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Common eastern prickly-pear

Opuntia cespitosa

Common eastern prickly-pear (Opuntia cespitosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 2b–10a. Blooms May–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 24 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DE, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–10a
Mature size: —
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Common eastern prickly-pear (Opuntia cespitosa) — *Opuntia cespitosa* — Common eastern prickly-pear. Photo by Mason Brock (Masebrock) via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Common eastern prickly-pear (Opuntia cespitosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 2b–10a. Blooms May–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, common eastern prickly-pear pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).