The only cactus native east of the Mississippi River. Yellow flowers in early summer give way to red-purple "tunas" (fruits) that have been edible staples for indigenous peoples and wildlife for thousands of years.

Also called: Indian Fig (one of many "prickly pear" species sometimes called this), Devil's Tongue

Native status: Native to eastern and central US, north to Massachusetts

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 10–40 cm (4–16 in); spreads via clones to 1 m+ across
WeightN/A
LifespanPerennial; clonal patches can persist decades
OrderCaryophyllales
FamilyCactaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Opuntia humifusa, commonly known as the devil's-tongue, eastern prickly pear or Indian fig, is a cactus of the genus Opuntia present in parts of the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, and northeastern Mexico.

Source: Wikipedia — Opuntia humifusa Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Low spreading cactus with flat pad-shaped joints (cladodes) 5–10 cm across; clusters of large yellow spines; tiny barbed glochids in tufts; large yellow flowers in early summer; red-purple fruit in late summer.

Similar species. Western Opuntia species (different shapes and ranges). Cholla cacti (cylindrical, segmented).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis with CAM metabolism (stomata open at night to conserve water)

Behavior. Only cactus native east of the Mississippi River. Range extends north to Massachusetts and Ontario — among the most cold-tolerant of all cacti, surviving -25°F (-32°C). Flowers self-pollinate but also attract native bees. Fruits ("tunas") were food for Indigenous peoples and remain edible (pulp is sweet; spines must be removed). Glochids (tiny barbed bristles) are arguably more painful than the larger visible spines; they detach in skin and are very difficult to remove.

§ Range

Eastern and central US from Massachusetts to Florida

§ Habitat

Sandy or rocky soil, dry meadows, rock outcrops

§ Threats

Garden trampling, urban development, herbicide drift.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern prickly pear is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant prickly pear in rock garden corners. Don't mistake for invasive Opuntia species. Maintain rocky outcrops.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Native Plant Trust
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center