plant

Eastern Prickly Pear

Opuntia Humifusa

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia Humifusa) — a plant, for Full sun, Low water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun
Waterlow

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium
Fruitedible

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceNew pads and growth emerge after the last spring frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 10°C.
floweringFlowering typically occurs about 60 days after new growth emerges, lasting for approximately 6 weeks.
fruitingFruits develop and ripen following flowering, usually maturing over a two-month period.
dormancyThe plant enters dormancy with the first autumn frost or when air temperatures consistently drop to 0°C, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatescalcium, potassium
Soil texturesandy, loamy
Organic matterLow
Compaction toleranceHigh

Propagation

Methodsseeds, stem_cuttings
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationcold stratification for 2-3 months
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, pollinators