(Opuntia humifusa)
Believe it or not, this hardy cactus is actually native to the northeastern states and to southern Canada. It is also considered as an 'Endangered Species at Risk in Ontario'. Prickly Pear tolerates extreme winter conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, snow, frost and heavy rain. Over winter the skin will turn purple and crinkly as it slightly shrivels, but springtime should see it start to green up again. This clump-forming succulent shrub forms flat fleshy pads up to 25cm (10") across, and covered with clusters of reddish-brown bristles. In early summer, striking bright yellow flowers form along the edges of the pads. These are followed by the fruit, the so-called prickly pears, which turn reddish purple and boasts a strawberry-like flavour when ripe. They are most often used to make candies and jams. This unusual plant can either decorate a dry, sunny spot in your rock garden or be grown as a container plant, as the mature size is only 30-60cm (1-2') in height and width.

SELF-FERTILE | ZONE 4 | HARVEST : AUG-SEPT