How to identify Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)

How to identify Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)

Eastern prickly pear, also known as Devil's-tongue, Indian fig

Eastern prickly pear exhibits a characteristic low, sprawling growth habit, forming succulent pads that are green and sometimes tinged with red. These pads are flattened, oval to round in shape and can grow to about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. The plant is dotted with clusters of small spines, called glochids, which readily detach upon touch. Bright yellow flowers bloom at the edge of pads, eventually giving way to red, fleshy fruits. Although hardy, this cactus shows a preference for dry, well-drained soils.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent, Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Eastern prickly pear

Low, sprawling growth habit with flattened, oval-to-round pads.

Cluster of small spines called glochids readily detaching upon touch.

Bright yellow flowers with 8-12 petals blooming at pad edges.

Unique oblong, sessile fruit ripening from green to red or purple.

Flattened, oval-to-round segmented stems acting as leaves, with barbed bristles.

Detailed Traits of Eastern prickly pear

Leaf Features

The leaves of eastern prickly pear are actually flattened, oval-to-round segmented stems, each segment measuring about 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) in length. They exhibit a green color and an almost smooth texture, with barbed bristles scattered across their surface. The margins may possess long spines. These stems are adapted to act as leaves, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis and water storage.

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Flower Features

The flowers of eastern prickly pear are vibrant yellow and measure about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter. Each flower typically has 8-12 petals, forming a broad and open blossom. Central to the bloom is a dense cluster of stamens, which can range in color from yellow to reddish hues. These striking flowers, devoid of any notable scent, usually bloom from late spring to early summer, making them a key identifier for eastern prickly pear.

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Stem Features

The stem of eastern prickly pear is characterized by its flattened, segmented, oval-to-round pads, ranging from 2 to 10 inches (5-25 cm) wide. These pads serve dual purposes, acting as modified stems and leaves. The texture includes small barbed bristles set in woolly hairs, with occasional straight spines present. The stem's surface is typically smooth but can be punctuated by these spines and bristles, providing a distinctive appearance and tactile feel crucial for identification.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of eastern prickly pear is characterized by its unique oblong and sessile shape, with a fleshy consistency and a distinct concave apex. Initially, the fruit presents a vibrant green hue, which gradually ripens into a range of red to purple shades. Its palatable fruit can vary from bland or sour to pleasantly sweet, appealing to a variety of tastes. Notably, the fruit maintains its integrity through winter, often persisting on the stem, and measures approximately 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in length. These edible fruits are commonly enjoyed and are a distinguishing feature of eastern prickly pear.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Eastern prickly pear and Their Similar Plants

Angel's-wings vs. Eastern prickly pear: What's The Difference?

Angel's-wings (*Opuntia microdasys*) is a flowering cactus species native to Mexico. Angel's-wings is closely related to Opuntia RFID, which can be differentiated from Opuntia microdasys by its reddish color. Some scientists consider the two cacti to be the same species. This species is also known as the bunny ears cactus, the bunny cactus, or the polka-dot cactus. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental on borders and in gardens.

Twist spine prickly pear vs. Eastern prickly pear: What's The Difference?

Opuntia macrorhiza is commonly called twist spine prickly pear. It is found in the Great Plains and many areas in the United States and northern Mexico. This cactus is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Tulip prickly pear vs. Eastern prickly pear: What's The Difference?

Opuntia phaeacantha is the common Opuntia species in sandy and rocky soils across the southwest United States. Tulip prickly pear is a widespread cactus that often hybridizes with several other Opuntia species, producing both named and unnamed hybrids, making the identification of Opuntia phaeacantha slightly difficult.

Nopal tapon vs. Eastern prickly pear: What's The Difference?

Nopal tapon is a prickly pear known and loved for its fast growth rate. It suits desert, Mediterranean, cactus, and xeriscape gardens, but they need to be large, as this cactus requires a good amount of space. Nopal tapon should be grown indoors in colder climates. The vibrant fruit nopal tapon produces is eaten by various animals.

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Key Facts About Eastern prickly pear

Attributes of Eastern prickly pear

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Shrub

Flower Size

4 cm to 6 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Red

Fruit Color

Red

Burgundy

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Eastern prickly pear

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Cactuses

Genus

Prickly pear

Species

Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)

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Distribution Map of Eastern prickly pear

Eastern prickly pear is a plant species originally native to parts of North America. It has since been introduced to various locations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, where it is cultivated. This expansion includes major regions of temperate and Mediterranean climates, indicating its adaptability to a range of environmental conditions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Eastern prickly pear How to Grow and Care for Eastern prickly pear