The Southwest just wouldn't be the same without Opuntia . Along with cowboy boots, coyotes and cattle skulls, these cactuses are icons of the region. The jointed stems can resemble flat paddles, cylinders or globes. Flower colors include white, yellow, red and purple.
Fruits are often a valued food source for wildlife.
They are also eaten by people and can be jellied. Remember to peel them before eating. Curiosity got the best of my brother once and he bit into one, leaving hundreds of the almost-microscopic spines stuck in his lips. Calif. Twist off or cut foliage at the nodes and let them dry for two weeks to a month or more. Keep them upright because if laid flat they will curl.