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Eastern Prickly Pear

Opuntia humifusa, Cactaceae

Zones
4–10
Layer
Shrub
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Slow

Guild Roles

Producer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (optimal)

Water

Low

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Nopal CactusOpuntia ficus-indica
Pollinator Sharing
Wild BergamotMonarda fistulosa
Pollinator SharingPest Deterrent
Honey MesquiteProsopis glandulosa
Nitrogen FixationShade Provision
Sulfur BuckwheatEriogonum umbellatum
Beneficial Insect HabitatWind Protection

Antagonistic Plants

SisalAgave sisalana

Large agave can overwhelm smaller cacti through root competition and space monopolization

Uses

Functions

Food

Edible Parts

FruitLeaves

Common Questions

What zones does Eastern Prickly Pear grow in?

Eastern Prickly Pear grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 10.

What are good companion plants for Eastern Prickly Pear?

Good companions for Eastern Prickly Pear include Nopal Cactus, Wild Bergamot, Honey Mesquite, Sulfur Buckwheat.

Design guilds with Eastern Prickly Pear and see companion relationships visually.

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