Pricklypear: Identifying Characteristics
Habitat:
Pricklypear grows in rocky or sandy areas, either alone or in colonies. It returns quickly after a fire or plowing.
Size/Form:
Pricklypear is a low-growing, woody, succulent cactus, with thick, segmented pads and spiny stems. It grows up to 1 ½ ' tall.
Stem:
The pads are actually the segmented stem of the plant. They are upright or lay across the ground in a sprawling fashion and bud new pads from old ones.
Leaves:
The nearly inconspicuous leaves are alternate, deciduous and are covered with tufts of tiny, spine-like hairs.
Flowers:
Showy yellow flowers bloom from May to July. They are up to 3" in diameter, with many petals and many stamens.
Fruit:
The fruit is a round, reddish-purple berry, up to 2" long. It contains many flattened seeds and is somewhat sweet. The outside of the fruit is covered by tiny hairs that should be removed with thick leather gloves.