A winter hardy, evergreen, clump-forming, Missouri native cactus. The round-to-oval, flattened, succulent green pads are not leaves but swollen water-storing stem segments. Pads have a few needle-like spines and are covered with numerous tufts of bristles. Showy, bright yellow and orange 2-3 in. flowers with a reddish eye bloom in June and July. Pulpy red fruits ripen in late summer and are edible, most often being used to make candies and jams. Pads also used as food. Host for larvae of mutiple moth species. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

Prickly pear in winter. Photo by E. Goss