Prickly Pear Cactus
Scientific Name: (Opuntia lindheimeri)
Definition: Of the many Prickly Pear Cacti in Texas, the "Texas Prickly Pear" probably has the prettiest flowers blossoms. Texas prickly pear often grows to 5' and may be erect or spreading. The pads of the cacti are green or blue green, and round to oval shaped and 4-10" long. Spines are yellow, distinguishing the Texas prickly from other varieties, and occasionally thre are no spines. Flowers grow 2-5" across, often crowded on the pad. Petal colors vary from masses of yellow to orange flowers, and often an entire range of colors appears on one plant. The fruit is purple when mature and a true prickly pear. Blooms April-May.