Cactus - Prickly Pear (Purple)

The classic Purple Prickly Pear that is native to the Sonoran desert.  The prickly pear grows in clumps, usually to about 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide.  A mildly-hardy prickly pear cactus, produces edible, mildly flavored fruits that are typically used in preserves and beverages.  Purple Prickly Pear have large cactus pads having numerous sharp spikes. Ornamental yellow flowers lead to delicious fruits.  Full sun.  Hardy to light freezes down to about 10 degrees.

Scientific name:  Opuntia violacea (santa-rita)