Mojave Prickly Pear (Opuntia erinacea)

Family: Cactaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Opuntia erinacea is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet and gelatinous. — Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use.; Sweet and gelatinous.; Lean and insipid.; The unripe fruits can be added to soups etc, imparting an okra-like mucilaginous quality.

Habitat & North American Range

Gravelly rocky soil under dry conditions in creosote bush scrub, pinyon-juniper and joshua tree woodland, chaparral and yellow pine forest at elevations of 800 - 2800 metres. (Zone 8)