Opuntia drummondii

Dune prickly pear is a small succulent evergreen shrub in the cactus family (Cactaceae) that is found among the dunes of the barrier islands, or along sandy riverbanks of the Southeastern United States. It is a southern species and is found from the North Carolina coast and southward to northern Florida and then as far as east Texas. They have been found in Fort Macon State Park in Carteret County. This small cactus is very inconspicuous and can be easily hidden in the grass along the dunes. 

This species prefers full sun, well-drained sandy soil, and cool winter temperatures. It is winter hardy in zones 8a to 12b. The dune prickly pear is deer- and rabbit-resistant and tolerant of drought, heat, salt and humidity. 

The dune prickly pear is fleshy and has a prostrate or creeping habit. The stems are green, flat, elliptic to linear to sub-cylindrical, jointed, and have 1-inch-long spines. When under stress the stems may be purplish red. The flattened leaf-like pads or cladodes are about 1 inch long. The unique spines are barbed retrorsely (point backward) and attach easily to your pants or shoes as you walk along the dunes. This species rarely flowers; however, if flowering occurs, the bloom is yellow and 2 inches in diameter and would be seen from May to June. If fruits are produced, they will mature from August to October and are initially green and ripen to a reddish-purple. The cladodes are fragile and easily detach at the nodes and are dispersed in the dunes. They can vegetatively produce clones of the parent plant. The root system is fibrous, but sometimes small tubers are produced. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs and scale. Overwatering can cause root rot.

Caution:  The spines of this cactus are barbed, and they are not easily removed from clothing or flesh. 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Opuntia.