Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia humifusa

Blooms: early June - late July

The Easter Prickly Pear Cactus is the most common cactus species in Illinois, as it has a higher tolerance for moisture and humidity than do most cacti. It generally can be found in the sandy areas around lakes and rivers. This cactus is made up of layers of pads, with the initial pad rooted into the ground and 1 to 3 more pads growing from the top preceding pads. Small spines extend from areoles, or small, cushioned pores, on the pads. Flower buds form from the top most pads and are usually yellow and satiny with many layered petals.