This native cactus is well-adapted to Missouri's cold winters and dry summers. A mature plant will produce a bounty of large, spectacular, yellow flowers that are mostly visited by bees.
The pads, fruits, and seeds are all edible. Eastern prickly pear has sharp spines and tufts of tiny, barbed hairs called "glochids". Avoid skin contact with the glochids as they are highly irritating and difficult to remove.
Uses: Bees, butterflies, edible, container gardens
Bloom time: May - June
Height: 8 to 14 inches
Space: 16 to 20 inches
Sun: Full sun
Moisture: Dry
