BRITTLE PRICKLY-PEAR CACTUS

Scientific Name:	
Opuntia fragilis 

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The only native cactus in western Washington: 6" tall, dull green pads, and covered with spines. The cactus flowers during June and July, yielding large, yellow blossoms. It grows in dry, rocky soil.

Importance in the Web of Life
Like other green plants, the brittle prickly-pear captures energy from the sun and uses it to fuel life processes. Flowers provide nectar for insects; pads feed people.

Cool Facts:
Salish Indians used cactus spines for needles and fish hooks. You can boil the pads for food.

Threats:
Plant collectors pose a danger to cacti, as does loss of habitat from careless development, trampling and invasion of foreign grasses.

Where in Washington Can I See One?
Visit the sunny, dry niches of the San Juan Islands, such as those on the Conservancy's Yellow Island preserve.

What Can I Do to Help?
Ask before you buy! When you or your parents buy native plants from nurseries, make sure they were not collected from the wild.

Photograph © Keith Lazelle