Opuntia humifusa (Native)

Habitat: Grows in sandy coastal dunes and sandy or rocky soils and on slopes in full sun.

Wildlife value: The bright yellow flowers support numerous insects, including bumblebees, such as the
threatened Bombus pensylvanicus (North American bumblebee). The fleshy pads, covered with spines and glochids, are consumed by grey fox and box turtles. 

Edibility: Fruit is used to make candies and jams. The pads can be eaten raw or cooked. Remove the bristles first.

Notes: The plant can survive winters as far north as Ontario. These plants generally grow in clumps sprawling on the ground up to a foot tall and have barbed bristles imbedded in wooly hairs and sometimes long spines.