Description: Flat, fleshy pads with bright yellow flowers.
Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading succulent. 6in height
Sun/Shade: Full sun.
Water Needs: Low; prefers well-drained soil.
Soil Preferences: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil.
Benefits: Drought-tolerant and adds unique texture to gardens. Great for rock gardens and dry landscapes.
 
From Prairie Moon Nursery:
Deserts aren't the only places on Earth that have cacti! Scattered around a generous portion of eastern North America grows a lovely, sun loving species of cacti known as the Eastern Prickly Pear cactus. While seemingly out of place in many temperate regions, this interesting cactus still carries with it some of the habits of its desert dwelling relatives. Preferring full sun and sandy, dry conditions, the Eastern Prickly Pear cactus is a must have for the driest parts of your garden. From June to July, the cactus puts out some of the most stunning flowers. Bathed in bright yellow, the 3" wide blooms are immediately descended upon by a myriad of different pollinator species. Beetles, bees, and butterflies, this plant attracts them all. After flowering the pads produce bright red, edible fruits that are almost as attractive as the flowers that preceded them. Typical of most cacti, the seeds in these edible fruits must ripen for a minimum of 9 months before they are ready to germinate. After harvest, we store seeds for 9 months before they are available for sale.
 
Establishing this species is as easy as placing a few pads in a desired location.  Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus pads can be placed into sand, literally, cutting-side down (see corresponding photo), making it a very easy transplant. Within a few years, a thick creeping mat of cactus pads will cover the ground. Be careful when handling this species though, as the pads are covered in clusters of sharp bristles. A good pair of thick gloves is a must for anyone looking to do some gardening with this plant.