It is common for plant species to be viewed differently from different perspectives, but the eastern prickly pear, Opuntia humifusa, is somewhat extreme: an endangered species, a recalcitrant weed, a prized ornamental, a valuable food plant, a smart choice for urban green roofs, an ingredient in herbal soap, and a medical wonder.

The eastern prickly pear is the only cactus native to Virginia. It is easily recognized as a cactus with its flat spiny pads, large flowers (yellow-orange-red), and persistent red fruits, but it can be overlooked: It is low to the ground, usually sprawling over rocks and sandy ground. Most people who see it probably assume someone transplanted it from the desert, leaving it to suffer and die in our cold, wet winter. But it is native to eastern North America, from the prairie states to the east coast, Florida to Massachusetts. It reaches Canada, barely; there are two populations in southwestern Ontario and it is considered endangered in Canada, threatened by habitat degradation.

 

Like desert cacti, the eastern prickly pear thrives on well-drained soils, tolerating drought by storing water in its tissues. Slow growing, it does best where most plants do nothing --including dunes, shale barrens, and bare road cuts. It is uncommon in most parts of its range, but can dominate dry pastures and is considered a noxious weed by livestock producers in parts of the plant's native range (e.g., Florida). Out of its range, it can be invasive; it is one of the many naturalized cacti in southern Europe considered an ecological problem.

 

For most people and in most places, however, it is not a problem; it is an interesting component of the local flora, and a low maintenance horticultural plant of increasing interest. To Native Americans, it was a reliable food source; the pads, fruits and flowers are all edible, at least once the prickly parts are removed. In the local flora, its flowers support an abundance of bees (especially bumble bees, sweat bees, and honey bees) as well as beetles and even hummingbirds. Thus, the species appears on some regional lists of recommended plants for pollinator gardens and ecological plantings. Similarly, it is recommended as a component of green roofs in urban planting schemes, where both the ecological value of flowers and the low-maintenance aspect of a drought-tolerant plant are well appreciated. The fruits also play important ecological roles, supporting raccoons and small rodents.

 

You don't need to study ecology, medicine, cosmetology, or food science to appreciate the eastern prickly pear. It is a very attractive ground cover that does well in nutrient-poor, well-drained, sunny conditions. Seeds are readily available from online sources, and once you have the plant, or befriend someone who has it, the plant is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Once established, it is quite hardy. It comes back from fire and can withstand severe mechanical cutting. I've followed a population in the median of U.S. Route 50 near the Arboretum for many years now, thinking that nothing desirable survives the Virginia Department of Transportation for long. But I was wrong; the patch is doing fine. Its enemies are shade, competition, and too much water. Plant it where little else will grow and appreciate a little view of desert life outside of the desert.

In addition to obtaining seed and plant material from nurseries and arboreta, Dr. Orland White was able to secure propagating material from famous and historical places worldwide. One source that many readers might find interesting is the University of Virginia's main campus in Charlottesville.  Dr. White's home was located there and he returned every fall when the Blandy Fellows went back to their classes. He searched the university grounds, neighboring yards, farms, and estates for possible candidates for the Arboretum.