The Prickly Pear Cactus is Native to Northwest Ohio

Cactus Ohio

This is the prickly pear cactus growing in my native garden.

Cactus in Ohio?

Yes, it’s true. The prickly pear cactus grows in the sandy soils of the Oak Openings Region. Who would have known that a cactus is native to Northwest Ohio? The dry sandy dunes are a perfect place for this species of cactus to grow.

Northwest Ohio has harsh winters and most don't expect that a cactus can grow here.

It was brought to my attention as I became more aware of the Oak Openings Region and some of the rare plants that grow here.

Prickly Pear Cactus Flowers
Prickly Pear flowers

The blooms are beautiful!

The prickly pear will grow additional shoots during the spring. It will also bloom about mid June with beautiful yellow flowers.

The outer parts of the flowers are a lighter yellow. The inner parts of the flowers are a darker yellow. Unfortunately the blooms don’t last long.

The fruit of the cactus is edible; and doesn't taste too bad.

What about during the winter?

During the winter the cactus will lay down on the ground and be partially shriveled up. The fruit will turn red. It will go dormant like other perennial plants and flowers in the winter and begin growing again when the weather turns warmer.

The cactus that I have planted in my native garden shriveled up over the winter and I thought it was dead.

But as the weather turned warmer the pear shaped cactus began to stand up and grow new “pears”. Unfortunately I don’t have flowers on mine this year, maybe next year.

More Prickly Pear Cactus Pictures

Prickly Pear flowers up close

Prickly Pear Cactus Flower Up Close

Flower surrounded by buds
Prickly Pear Cactus Flower

A cluster of flowers
Prickly Pear Cactus Flowers

Continue reading here: Northwest Ohio Spring Wildflowers

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Readers' Questions

  • Clara
    Where are prickly pear cactus found?
    5 months ago
  • Prickly pear cactus can be found in various regions around the world. They are native to the Americas, specifically to areas such as the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. They have also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
    • robert
      Where do prickly pears grow?
      6 months ago
    • Prickly pears, also known as Opuntia cacti, are native to North and Central America. They can be found growing in various regions including the southwestern United States, Mexico, parts of South America, and the Caribbean. They are well adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy to rocky. Prickly pear cacti are also cultivated in other parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Australia.
      • Semhar Zula
        Are cactus native to america?
        6 months ago
      • Yes, some species of cactus are native to America. Cacti are native to the Americas, particularly to North and South America. The greatest diversity of cactus species can be found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. However, cacti can also be found in other parts of the Americas, such as Central America and the Caribbean.
        • juliane
          Where is prickly pear native to?
          7 months ago
        • Prickly pear, also known as Opuntia, is native to the Americas, particularly the desert regions of North, Central, and South America. It has natural distributions in countries such as the United States (southwestern states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico, parts of Central America (like Guatemala and Honduras), and various countries in South America (Argentina, Chile, Peru, etc.).
          • ileana
            Where do prickly pear cactus grow?
            8 months ago
          • Prickly pear cacti can be found in various parts of North and South America, including the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California), Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America such as Argentina and Chile. They are well-adapted to arid and desert regions but can also grow in other types of environments such as grasslands and forests.
            • kathrin
              How often do prickly pear cactus bloom?
              9 months ago
            • ? Prickly pear cacti generally bloom during the spring and summer months, usually lasting for a period of 2-3 weeks.
              • Alvaro
                When do prickly pears bloom?
                10 months ago
              • Prickly pear cacti typically bloom in late spring or early summer, often in April or May in the Northern Hemisphere.