'Vineland Hardy' Prickly Pear

Opuntia spp. Origin: Vineland, New Jersey Improvement status: Unknown Seeds per packet: ~30 BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED Life cycle: Perennial EFN INTRODUCTION. This unique prickly pear cactus was found growing in a front yard in Vineland, New Jersey. It's very different from the small, low-growing prickly pears commonly found growing as far north as Massachusetts. This species (which somewhat resembles Opuntia stricta) grows to about two feet tall, has large flashy pads, and produces medium-sized tasty fruit. It survives winters outdoors here in Zone 7, and may prove to thrive even farther north. The Opuntia genus is notoriously challenging to categorize, as there is wide natural diversity and many species also hybridize easily. Taxonomists really have their hands full with this genus. When we get a positive identification for this species, we will be sure to spread the word. Whatever it is, the fruit are juicy and delicious, more sour than supermarket prickly pears, len