The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa) is a low-growing perennial shrub found mostly on the coastal plain, especially on dunes, in sandhills, and on deep sand deposits along rivers. It bears flattened pads and segmented branches. The numerous yellowish blooms appear in May and June and are followed by purple, edible pods.
Prickly Pear Cactus
Courtesy of the Caroline Dean Wildflower Collection, Auburn University Digital Library
