Coastal Prickly Pear Cactus

a close view of an orange flower blooming on a green prickly pear cactus
Coastal Prickly Pear. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com.

Quick Facts
Height: Up to 3 ft.

Leaf Length: Up to 9 in.

Flower Diameter: 2 in.

Did You Know?
The fruit of the prickly pear is called a "tuna" and was often eaten by the Chumash. To pick the fruit, the Chumash dislodged it from the plant with a forked stick and then brushed the fruit with a branch of coyote brush to remove the sharp spines from its skin. "Tunas" can be eaten fresh or dried.

Last updated: May 13, 2021