Rondeau Ric

  Our cactus are in bloom just now, odd to have cactus in Ontario. Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, July 7, 2025. Opuntia humifusa. The Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) is one of only two cacti native to Ontario, and it is considered an endangered species in the province.  It is found in Point Pelee National Park, and Rondeau Provincial Park.     These areas, known as the Lake Erie Sand Spit Savannas, provide the dry, sandy habitats that the cactus needs to thrive.

Eastern Prickly Pear cactus flower, July 10, 2023, Rondeau Provincial Park in our yard. In Canada, the Eastern Prickly-pear Cactus is found only in southern Ontario. There are two known locations, which are on sand spits along the shore of Lake Erie. Based on historical reports, this cactus may once have been marginally more widespread in areas near Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. Opuntia cespitosa source - https://www.ontario.ca/page/eastern-prickly-pear-cactus

Eastern prickly pear cactus, Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario , Canada, July 12, 2020. A small patch of the cactus grows along the south side of our cottage. Opuntia humifusa.

Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, July 23, 2019. This rare plant occurs in our yard. It was here when we moved in 17 years ago and seems to be holding its own. It is scattered through the dunes in the southern portion of the park. Opuntia humifusa The Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus is a perennial succulent cactus with jointed, rounded, but flattened, green stems, the segments of which are called “pads”. It may be horizontal or upright, growing up to 0.5 metres in height. Typical of most cacti, the pads are armed with barbed bristles and spines. Yellow, waxy flowers about two to three centimetres in diameter, with centres, bloom along the edges of the pads. The juicy, edible fruits are green, ripening to reddish-brown.