Opuntia humifusa

Did you know that some cacti can grow in cold climates? Eastern prickly pear is one such cactus that can grow in regions with cold winters. In fact, this species has the largest range of any cactus in the US and can be found from New Mexico and Montana east to Florida and Massachusetts.

It has gorgeous edible fruit called the prickly pear. These fruits as well as the leaves ("paddles") have been used by Native Americans for both food and medicine.