Opuntia humifusa
Eastern prickly pear
 
One would not expect to have a native species of cacti in New England, but the Eastern prickly pear is precisely that!
 
This low growing cactus has wide paddles covered in the requisite spines, large yellow blossoms are followed by a red, edible fruit. In fact, pretty much the entire plant is edible at various stages of growth, all with careful preparation.
 
Opuntia humifusa provides an important food source for our native bee species and grows well in dry, sandy locations. Eastern prickly pear is listed as a species of concern in Massachusetts and so specimens should never be harvested from the wild.
 
Use: The ripe fruit is edible raw or in jelly. Tender young leaf pads can be cut up and used similar to: string beans, or like okra to thicken soups, or raw in salads. Spines (glochids) need to be removed first!
 
Plants can be purchased in-person or online (with in-person pick-up).
All online orders will be ready for pick-up 24-72 hours after purchase. You will receive an email to let you know when your order is ready. We kindly ask that you pick-up any orders within one week of purchase. 
 
Photo 4 courtesy of Dan Wilder