The Okanagan Xeriscape Association

Plant of the Month- May

Opuntia

Well, I’ve never been a huge fan of Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cacti), because it’s too prickly and generally dangerous to work with, yet on a recent trip to Sandhu nursery in Osoyoos I was stopped in my tracks. In front of me was the most beautiful blooming Opuntia I’ve ever laid eyes on, forcing me to reassess my bias. 

Optunia is a genus of plants belonging to the Cactaceae family and is not only a native cactus in the Okanagan Valley, but is also native to the southern U. S., Mexico, Central, and South America. In the arid and semi-arid harsh landscapes where most plants surrender to extreme conditions, the Opuntia not only survives, but thrives.

 Opuntia’s survival strategy begins with its distinctive structure. Those iconic flat or rounded pads aren’t leaves but modified stems that maximize photosynthesis while minimizing water loss. Their waxy coating reflects sunlight and seals in precious moisture, while their plump interiors store water for months of drought. Even their notorious spines serve multiple purposes from deterring hungry predators, to collecting life-giving dew, and providing shade to the cactus surface.

Indigenous peoples across the Americas have relied on these plants for millennia. The pads (nopales) were used as food rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Their sweet fruits (tunas) provide refreshing nourishment in arid environments. Even the spines found purpose as fishing hooks and needles in traditional cultures. 

Today, Opuntia continues to prove its versatility. Its extracts appear in cosmetics for their hydrating properties. Its mucilage serves as a natural thickener in food products. Some species host cochineal insects that produce vivid red dye. Others form living fences around properties throughout Latin America. Researchers are even exploring Opuntia’s potential for sustainable agriculture in increasingly drought-prone regions. 

Perhaps most impressive is Opuntia’s regenerative power. A single pad that falls to the ground can root itself and spawn an entirely new plant. This tenacity allows prickly pears to colonize disturbed lands and stabilize fragile soils. Opuntia species have variable hardiness with some able to withstand zone 4 temperatures so consider including these tough beauties in an area of your landscape.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Did you know?

1. There is LESS water available per person in the Okanagan than anywhere else in Canada
2. The Okanagan has one of the highest rates of water use per person in Canada
3. The 2nd largest use of water in the Okanagan is for watering our household lawns & gardens

Here’s a reminder to check out the Make Water Work website to make your pledge to reduce water waste.

You will also find valuable information such as these useful PDF publications–
Make Water Works Tip Sheet and Make Water Works Plant Collection

Xeriscape is a very effective way to make water work.