Southeastern Prickly-pear Cactus Opuntia mesacantha

The southeastern prickly pear is a native evergreen succulent found in coastal dunes, sandy riverbeds, and pine forests from New Jersey to the southeastern United States. It is found along coastal dunes, scrublands, and pine forests. It is a low, spreading, trailing or sprawling cactus and is the most common species in the Atlantic Gulf Coastal Plain and Southern Piedmont. The species epithet means "medium spine," perhaps referring to the length of the spines.

This species prefers full sun and well-drained, dry, sandy soils. It is drought, heat, and salt tolerant. The plant can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, or seeds. 

The plant has fibrous roots and forms colonies of prostrate, trailing pads. Leaves are not present. The stems are flat, segmented, pale green, fleshy pads (cladodes) that are up to 10 inches long. Each pad is round or oblong and has two types of barbed bristles. There are long spines and small hairlike bristles (glochids). The pads function as a water storage site and contain a watery sap. In May and June, waxy, yellow flowers measuring 2 to 3 inches in diameter appear solitary or in clusters at the ends of the pads. The flowers have a dense cluster of stamens in the center. Fruits produced are large, edible, red to reddish-purple berries that ripen from August to October. They measure 1 to 3 inches long and are covered with fine bristles.

Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) and southeastern prickly pear (Opuntia mesacantha) are frequently confused. Opuntia mesacantha has a few, long, pale spines that are up to 1 inch long. Opuntia humifusa does not have spines on its pads. Both species have barbed bristles (glochids) on the pads.

This species grows best in areas that have lots of sunlight and minimal water.  In hot, arid climates it can be grown outdoors in a bed or container. They are great for xeriscaping and easy to transplant. Protective gloves are recommended when handling this plant. The stout spines and barbed bristles are difficult to remove and can cause extreme skin irritation.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This species has no serious pest or disease problems. 

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

More information on Opuntia.