About Prickly Pears

Types

• The 250 prickly pear species vary by shape, color, and size. Native to the Caribbean, the Indian fig prickly pear grows up to 6 to 8 feet tall, and its treelike stems produce yellow or orange flowers. It requires more moisture than other species. Santa Rita prickly pear grows up to 4 or 5 feet tall and has bluish pads that turn purple during dry or cold weather. Englemenn's prickly pear, which forms a mound up to 10 feet wide, produces yellow flowers and showy red to purple fruits.

Geography

• Although prickly pear thrives in the hot, dry climate of the American Southwest, it grows as far north as New England and southern Minnesota. It prefers areas with well-drained soil and abundant sunshine. At the time of the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Mexican and Caribbean growers had already begun to cultivate prickly pear. The eastern prickly pear is native to Florida, but tolerates the colder climates of Michigan and Massachusetts. The border prickly pear grows in a limited area in southwest Texas.

Benefits

• Commercial growers cultivate prickly pears for their edible stem segments, known as nopales. The fruit is an ingredient in preserves, and the seeds can be ground into flour. Rabbits, javelina and other animals eat the stem segments, and small animals and birds build nests in the protective plant. In areas far from foot traffic, landscapers and gardeners use prickly pear as a specimen or border plant.

Considerations

• In the western United States, prickly pear may harm grazing livestock and crowd out forage plants. However, the Texas Agrilife Research and Extension Center notes that the cactus may be a food source for livestock during periods of drought. Selective control involves spraying herbicide directly onto the stems of some plants, or by removing the tops of the plants. Control methods for large infestations include aerial herbicide sprays and prescribed fire. Your local county extension office can recommend herbicides for your location. Do not mow or shred prickly pear, because the remaining pieces will grow into new plants.