Low mats of spiny pads which can colonize large beds over time. Showy flowers are followed by edible fruit — cylindrical, brownish pods. Spreads by seed and rooting of detached segments. Survives throughout an immense range of temperatures, ranging from -50* F in Canada to well above 100* F in Mexico. The prickly pear provides food for many types of animals, including humans!
NATIVE FROM WISCONSIN TO LOUISIANA AND WEST TO ARIZONA AND IDAHO