Prickly Pear "Keys Joe Jumper" (Opuntia stricta) is a native Florida prickly pear known for its low, sprawling growth and broad, flattened pads that often show a subtle purplish cast. The pads are dotted with glochids—tiny barbed hairs typical of many cacti—and form clumps that stay under a foot tall but can spread up to 3 feet wide. In early summer, the plant produces bright yellow flowers that stand out against its fleshy green pads. This species is one of Florida’s most widespread native cacti, thriving in full sun, well‑drained sandy soils, and the dry, open conditions found in coastal dunes and scrub. It is highly drought‑tolerant, requiring only minimal moisture once established, and performs best in sites where water drains quickly and the soil remains on the dry side. Its resilience to salt spray and harsh sunlight makes it especially well suited to Florida’s coastal landscapes.
- Cactus
- Size: Less than 1 ft. tall
- Flower: Yellow
- Fruit: Reddish-purple
- Exposure: Full sun
- Moisture: Well-drained
- Soil: Sand
- Drought tolerant
- Sprawls in clumps up to 3 feet wide
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