Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus
(Opuntia humifusa)
A unique native species rarely found in Maine, Eastern Prickly Pear is a cold-hardy cactus that naturally occurs as far north as New Hampshire and Massachusetts. While uncommon here, our patch has been thriving in the ground for over three years, proving its resilience to freezing temperatures and our local conditions.
This member of the Cactaceae family has flat, paddle-like stems that act as photosynthetic leaves, storing water and energy to help the plant survive drought and winter. In early summer, it produces brilliant yellow flowers with red centers, followed by edible, egg-shaped fruits. Both the fruit and the pads are edible—commonly prepared as a sweet treat or used as a tender, meaty vegetable.
Like other cacti, Eastern Prickly Pear has long spines and tiny glochids (hair-like spines) that can irritate skin—use gloves when handling. These pads are unrooted and should be allowed to callus over in a dry, shaded place for about a week before planting. Once callused, they can be planted in a well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun, either in pots or directly in the ground. Plant the pad upright, burying about 1–2 inches of the base into the soil. It should stand on its own or be gently propped up until roots establish. Don't plant it flat on the soil surface.
This is a striking, low-maintenance addition to a native plant garden or edible landscape—especially for dry, sunny sites.
Each order comes with 2 pads and ships bare root.
Hardiness: Zone 4A-9A
Soil: Sandy and well drained
Light: Full Sun
(Opuntia humifusa)
A unique native species rarely found in Maine, Eastern Prickly Pear is a cold-hardy cactus that naturally occurs as far north as New Hampshire and Massachusetts. While uncommon here, our patch has been thriving in the ground for over three years, proving its resilience to freezing temperatures and our local conditions.
This member of the Cactaceae family has flat, paddle-like stems that act as photosynthetic leaves, storing water and energy to help the plant survive drought and winter. In early summer, it produces brilliant yellow flowers with red centers, followed by edible, egg-shaped fruits. Both the fruit and the pads are edible—commonly prepared as a sweet treat or used as a tender, meaty vegetable.
Like other cacti, Eastern Prickly Pear has long spines and tiny glochids (hair-like spines) that can irritate skin—use gloves when handling. These pads are unrooted and should be allowed to callus over in a dry, shaded place for about a week before planting. Once callused, they can be planted in a well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun, either in pots or directly in the ground. Plant the pad upright, burying about 1–2 inches of the base into the soil. It should stand on its own or be gently propped up until roots establish. Don't plant it flat on the soil surface.
This is a striking, low-maintenance addition to a native plant garden or edible landscape—especially for dry, sunny sites.
Each order comes with 2 pads and ships bare root.
Hardiness: Zone 4A-9A
Soil: Sandy and well drained
Light: Full Sun
(Opuntia humifusa)
A unique native species rarely found in Maine, Eastern Prickly Pear is a cold-hardy cactus that naturally occurs as far north as New Hampshire and Massachusetts. While uncommon here, our patch has been thriving in the ground for over three years, proving its resilience to freezing temperatures and our local conditions.
This member of the Cactaceae family has flat, paddle-like stems that act as photosynthetic leaves, storing water and energy to help the plant survive drought and winter. In early summer, it produces brilliant yellow flowers with red centers, followed by edible, egg-shaped fruits. Both the fruit and the pads are edible—commonly prepared as a sweet treat or used as a tender, meaty vegetable.
Like other cacti, Eastern Prickly Pear has long spines and tiny glochids (hair-like spines) that can irritate skin—use gloves when handling. These pads are unrooted and should be allowed to callus over in a dry, shaded place for about a week before planting. Once callused, they can be planted in a well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun, either in pots or directly in the ground. Plant the pad upright, burying about 1–2 inches of the base into the soil. It should stand on its own or be gently propped up until roots establish. Don't plant it flat on the soil surface.
This is a striking, low-maintenance addition to a native plant garden or edible landscape—especially for dry, sunny sites.
Each order comes with 2 pads and ships bare root.
Hardiness: Zone 4A-9A
Soil: Sandy and well drained
Light: Full Sun