// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Prickly Pear

Opuntia humifusa

Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) is a perennial in the Cactaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 4a–10a. Blooms May–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Cactaceae
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 35 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 4a–10a
Mature size: —
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: May–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native cactus · edible pads and fruit · drought-proof

Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) — *Opuntia humifusa* — Prickly Pear. Photo by SEWilco via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) is a perennial in the Cactaceae family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 4a–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 cactus · edible pads and fruit · drought-proof. 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, prickly pear pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina).