Quick answer: Low prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) is native to 31 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: SEWilco, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry |
| Soil | Sandy or rocky soils |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jul |
| Height | Up to 20 in, Florida specimens to 6 ft |
| Wildlife value | Fruits and cladodes eaten by Ornate Box Turtle, special value to native bees |
Glochids (barbed bristle-hairs) on stems cause painful skin/eye irritation on contact; potential internal effects in diabetics from ingestion
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Low prickly pear
Where is Low prickly pear native?
Low prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) is native to 31 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Low prickly pear bloom?
Low prickly pear blooms May-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Low prickly pear need?
Light: Sun. Water: Low water, Dry. Soil: Sandy or rocky soils. Mature height: Up to 20 in, Florida specimens to 6 ft.
Is Low prickly pear good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruits and cladodes eaten by Ornate Box Turtle, special value to native bees.
Is Low prickly pear deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Low prickly pear is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Is Low prickly pear toxic?
Glochids (barbed bristle-hairs) on stems cause painful skin/eye irritation on contact; potential internal effects in diabetics from ingestion.
Where can I buy real Low prickly pear seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Opuntia humifusa on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Low prickly pear.
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Whorled milkweed Asclepias verticillata
- Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis
- Lanceleaf coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Grayhead coneflower Ratibida pinnata
Also listed under
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