Cacti / Desert Succulents

Prickly Pear Cactus

NPS, G. Wagner

The Pipestone National Monument's Sioux quartzite prairie supports two species of cacti. The rocky outcrops and shallow soil along the cliff line areas provide the Plains Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia macrorhiza) with a niche with little competition for resources. The Prickly Pear cactus blooms for a short time in early July, displaying beautiful and fragile looking yellow flowers.


Family
Common Name Scientific Name

Cactaceae
Prickly Pear	Opuntia macrorhiza
Brittle Prickly Pear	Opuntia fragilis