There are many varieties of Opuntia, from the large Nopales or (Mission Fig, Indian Fig, Edible Tree Cactus) to the smaller more compact species that are commonly known as cold hardy Prickly Pear Cacti. Three species of cold hardy Opuntia are found in the wild all over the United States:

Opuntia compressa - the specimen shown actual size above on the left was photographed December 2, 1998 growing outdoors in Louisville, Kentucky (Zone 6). This specimen was growing on the ground where even on the bank of a protected gully, they seldom grow more than 10 inches tall. They are not really common in the wild in the Ohio River Valley any more, probably because of people collecting them. As a young boy I occasionally came across a clump of them growing at the edge of a cow pasture near the protection of a fence post or on a sunny rocky hillside between cedar trees in southern Indiana. They are native to the eastern United States and are also know as "Eastern Prickly Pear" and "Eastern Pad Cactus". They are native to the region known as the Central Plains of the U.S. from Oklahoma northward to Minnesota and into Ontario, Canada, east to Massachusetts and south to Alabama. They are bothered more by the dampness of the winters in the east than from the cold and can survive temperatures of -40°F. This species has large brilliant flowers, bright yellow followed by fleshy fruits, normally yellow but sometimes orange-red. They store water in the flat pads and can withstand droughts and temperatures of more than 100°F which occurs frequently during summers in the south central portions of their habitat. They can be found, on occasion, growing in clumps on rocky slopes in full sun with many of the pads lying flat on the earth and only a few growing upward to 8 or 9 inches tall. This prostrate growth habit minimizes the effects of bone-chilling winds (not that cacti have bones) while maximizing exposure of the surface of the pads to the sun.

Opuntia fragilis (Fragile Prickly Pear) is a cousin of the species previously described and overlaps part of the same habitat in the central plains but ranges farther west. It is found growing from Mexico to the south through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to the west and northward through northern California, Oregon, Washington and into British Columbia in Canada and eastward to Wisconsin and south through the Midwest to Eastern Texas. This species has large yellow-green flowers and yellowish fruit. They spread out horizontally even more than the "Compressed" eastern cousin. They grow in matted clumps 3 to 4 feet across with few pads growing upward more than 6 or 8 inches. This species is just as cold hardy as its eastern cousin but is a little less tolerant of the damp winters.

Opuntia polycantha (many-spined Opuntia) is a third species that overlaps the habitat of its cousin "fragilis" in the west. It also is found from Mexico through Texas across the western plains to North Dakota, westward to Washington, southward through Oregon, California, Arizona and back into Mexico. It spreads out in large matted clumps, yards across and grows 12 or 14 inches high, with beautiful large lemon-yellow flowers in mid summer followed by fruits in late summer. The specimens show above to the right were photographed near San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico in June of 1998.

There are many species of Opuntias but the Prickly Pears are the only cacti I know of that can grow outdoors so far to the north - well into zone 4.

Grow in well-drained rocky/sandy soil with a pH balance between 6.5 and 7.5. Water thoroughly then let dry out for several weeks (outside in the ground or in large containers) before watering again. Small containers of young seedlings need to be watered as frequently as any other young plant and should not be allowed to get too dry. Propagate by seed or by removing pads and planting them into soil.

© 1998 Michael King

1 tablespoon margarine
1/3 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1 cup Zinfandel wine
2 cactus pears, peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons scallions, sliced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4, 3 ounce halibut steaks, grilled or broiled

The cactus pear has small spines, a harrel shape and is green to magenta in color. Select firm, tender pears that look fresh and bright in color. Avoid those that are moldy or have tender bruises and spots. Keep the cactus pear at room temperature until soft. They may then be refrigerated for up to a week. Photo at upper right and lower right shows the cactus pears growing at the edge of an Opuntia pad.

To avoid getting any stray needles "spines" in your fingers, put a fork into the cactus pear and hold the fork while peeling. To peel, slice off both ends and cut a slit lengthwise down the center. Then slide the knife under the peel to remove.

Melt the margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for about 8 minutes. Add wine, cactus pears and scallions. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk into sauce, stirring constantly until thick. Spoon the sauce over the halibut steaks.