Most of us that enjoy nature have a yearly cycle of events that we look forward to. The first snowfall, the deer season opener, the spring perch bite, the appearance of morel mushrooms and the first bluebird returning in the spring may be part of your list, as they are mine. Once spring has passed and summer has taken the reins of the driftless climate, I begin scanning the roadsides for one of my favorites, the prickly pear cactus bloom.
The flowers are somewhat difficult to spot, as cactus plants are short and grow among taller grasses and other plants. The pale, yellow color of the flowers, just off the ground, are the key to identifying these unique blooms through the windshield of a moving car. I usually find myself turning on the blinker, pulling onto the shoulder of the road and exiting the car to check out the cactus flowers.
Most Wisconsin residents would be surprised to know that our state is home to native cactus plants. There are actually two species of cacti found here, the Eastern Prickly Pear and the Brittle Prickly Pear. The Eastern species is the most common and widely distributed in our state. While the driftless area has a very good cactus population, we do not have a monopoly on these plants, as they are found in suitable locations across the Badger State.
Cacti are famous for surviving in dry conditions. While our corner of the state gets plenty of rainfall, the sandy soils of the Wisconsin River valley dry out quickly as rainwater infiltrates rapidly to deep layers of the soil and is also lost to evaporation. These conditions limit the growth of some plants, but are ideal for prickly pears. The roots of cactus plants grow laterally beneath the soil, so that they may take immediate advantage of rainfall events.
I begin looking for cactus flowers in mid-June. The last week of June is usually when the bloom is at its peak. Blossoms disappear fairly quickly, but some last into mid-July. The blossoms quickly turn into a red fruit. The fruit is reportedly edible once the spines are removed. Sections of the cactus “paddle” may be cut and transplanted to produce more plants. Seeds within the red fruit may also be used to propagate more cactus plants.
Keep your eyes open for one of the Driftless Area’s most unique plants during your summer travels. Make a mental note to add the Prickly Pear Cactus bloom to your calendar of annual events. You will not be disappointed.
John Cler is a retired high school science teacher and principal residing in Richland Center. He is an avid hunter, fisher, trapper and nature nut. He currently chairs the Richland County Deer Advisory Council and the Richland County Delegation of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.
