Plains Prickly Pear

Plains prickly pear is the most commonly seen cactus in the plains of western Nebraska. NPS/Emily Sherrard

Plains prickly pear (Opuntia polyacantha) is a cactus native to the Western United States and thrives in many types of environments. This cactus has shallow roots that help it easily capture rainfall. Excess water is stored in the pads of the plant. These adaptations help the prickly pear survive during long periods of heat and drought. The prickly pear is also more tolerant of cold than most other types of cacti. For this reason, it can grow in areas farther north than other species of cacti.

Sharp spines are modified leaves that protect cactus from grazing and reduce transpiration. NPS

The cactus' spines are modified leaves that deter animals from eating the plant. The prickly pear has large spines as well as smaller spines, called glochids, that reflect sun from its pads. Prickly pear flowers bloom early to mid-summer in the plains of Nebraska and the Dakotas. Plains prickly pear have yellow or golden blooms. Other varieties of prickly pear can have pink, red, orange, or purple blooms. The flowers change color during the course of the prickly pear’s bloom, becoming more reddish as the bloom gets older. The different colors attract different kinds of pollinators and increase the chances of pollination.

Prickly pears bear red fruits called "tunas". NPS

Prickly pears are named for their sweet fruits, called tunas, that are used in juices, jams, and jellies. The pads of the cactus, called nopales, are also eaten in Native American and Mexican cuisines. Prickly pears traditionally have had a variety of uses for food, drink, medicine, and dye.

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