|
Cactus makes us think of the desert southwest, but you may be surprised to learn that they can be found here in Missouri. The Prickly Pear cactus grows low and spreads across the ground. The large, paddlelike green pads are thickened, flattened stems that help hold water, which makes prickly pear a succulent. On the pad you may notice spots of 1-6 spines with many tiny, hair-like bristles which are difficult to remove from the skin. These spines protect the cactus from being eaten by animals. The pads can easily break off the spines can help to distribute the cactus by hooking on the feet of animals. They bloom from May-July with a large yellow flower with an inter-ring of orange. Prickly pear is often found growing in sunny and dry places: rocky areas of prairie, glades, tops and edges of bluffs, pastures, roadsides, and open, disturbed areas.
The fruit and young pads can be eaten. Prickly pear jelly and candy are two of the most common items. The pad can be canned or sliced and added to your meal, or the pear juiced and added to lemonade. Just make sure you get the spines taken off!
For more information on prickly pear visit https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/eastern-prickly-pear.
Come search for them along the trail as you enjoy an early morning or evening glade hike.
 Prickly Pear Cactus
|
