Eastern Winter Hardy Prickly Pear – Opuntia humifusa Live Cactus Pads | 10 Pad Bundle | Yellow Flowering Cold Hardy to Zone 4/5 | Native Perennial | Easy to Grow

Grow one of the toughest native cacti in North America with Opuntia humifusa, the Eastern Winter Hardy Prickly Pear. This resilient perennial thrives in cold climates and produces stunning yellow flowers followed by red fruit each year.

This listing includes 10 healthy, unrooted cactus pads ready to plant. Once established, they spread steadily and can form a lush patch within a year under proper conditions.

Opuntia humifusa is well-known for surviving harsh winters, including temperatures as low as -15°F when properly established. In winter, pads naturally shrivel and darken as part of their cold survival process—then plump back up in spring as growth resumes.

This hardy cactus is perfect for rock gardens, xeriscapes, native plant landscapes, and poor-soil areas where other plants struggle.

Please note: These are live cactus pads (not seeds). Handle carefully—each dot contains fine glochids that can irritate skin.

You will receive pads similar in size and health to those shown in the listing photos.

You will receive:
✔️ 10 live Opuntia humifusa pads
✔️ Healthy, viable cuttings
✔️ Unrooted and ready to plant
✔️ Cold hardy native variety
✔️ Secure packaging for safe arrival

🌼 Growing Information

Common Name: Eastern Prickly Pear
Botanical Name: Opuntia humifusa
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial cactus
Growth Stage: Pad cuttings
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil: Very well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
Watering: Low; drought tolerant once established
Mature Height: Up to 10 inches
Spread: 18–36 inches or more
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast in ideal conditions
USDA Zones: 4–9
Container Friendly: Yes (with excellent drainage)

💡 Care Tip: Plant in the driest, sunniest location possible. Poor, sandy, or rocky soil is ideal. Allow pads to callous before planting and avoid rich topsoil unless amended with sand or gravel. Use rocks around plants to help retain warmth in cooler climates.