Safety note: Spines and fine glochids (barbed bristles) can cause painful skin irritation.
Prickly Pear Cactus is the most widespread cactus in North America, ranging from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic and from southern Canada to Mexico. Its yellow flowers are visited by many native bees, and the purple-red tunas (fruits) are consumed by coyotes, foxes, deer, javelinas, and many birds. The pads were a critical food and water source for indigenous peoples.
Habitat
Desert flats, dry plains, and rocky hillsides across western North America
Diet
Fruits eaten by coyotes, foxes, deer, and many birds; flowers for native bees
How common
Common
Recent Prickly Pear Cactus sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Prickly Pear Cactus? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free