Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) Live Plant – Native, Drought Tolerant, Zones 4–9

A Native Cactus That Thrives on the East Coast

Opuntia humifusa, the Eastern Prickly Pear, is a surprisingly tough and beautiful native plant found throughout much of eastern North America. In early summer it produces showy yellow flowers with striking orange centers that attract pollinators — then in fall, edible red-purple fruits follow. It’s evergreen in winter (though it droops in the cold) and bounces back perky and green each spring.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part sun
• Hardiness zones: 4–9
• Mature height: ~18 inches; slowly sprawling habit
• Bloom time: Early summer – yellow flowers with orange centers
• Drought tolerant — thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils
• Deer & rabbit resistant
• Tolerates normal moisture as well as dry conditions
• Evergreen in winter; droops in cold but recovers in spring

What You’ll Receive

Greenhouse-grown plants rooted in 2.5" or 3.25" pots (select above). Plants will never be dormant at shipping. The mature plants shown in our photos are significantly larger than what ships — that’s your plant’s future.

Shipping Notes

Cannot ship when temperatures at your location are below 40°F or above 95°F. If near the upper range, please be available to receive and unpack promptly.

Our Guarantee

Every plant is guaranteed to arrive healthy. If something looks off upon delivery, message us with a photo — all plants are insured for transit issues. Once a healthy plant is in your hands, we’re happy to answer care questions, though we can’t be responsible for post-delivery care.