The prickly pear cactus is native to southern California and Baja California, where it is commonly found growing in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. These large plants grow in sprawling patches of thick jointed segments known as pads. A prickly pear cactus plant can reach up to three feet tall sprouting an array of yellow, orange or pink blooms with reddish purple fruit that grow on top of the cactus. The cactus fruit is edible and was often used by Native Americans and Spanish Americans as a food source, as well as to help bind wounds.
In 2009, after the 2007 Santiago Fire, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team planted 14,000 cactus pads and 90 potted cactus in an effort to restore damaged habitat. After about 10 years, the IRC team found that cacti planted as pads were almost a meter high at sites with lower weeds and the plants were also more successful on steeper, south facing slopes.
In 2009, after the 2007 Santiago Fire, Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team planted 14,000 cactus pads and 90 potted cactus in an effort to restore damaged habitat. After about 10 years, the IRC team found that cacti planted as pads were almost a meter high at sites with lower weeds and the plants were also more successful on steeper, south facing slopes.
Continuing the work in restoring prickly pear cactus in Orange County, the Natural Communities Coalition and The Nature Conservancy funded IRC projects to salvage whole cactus and pads from natural habitat prior to development. Across seven sites including West Loma, Mule Deer, Limestone Ridge, Portola Orchard, Quail Hill and Buck Gully; 190 whole plants, 2,500 pads and 100 branches were transported and planted. The IRC team found that transplant survivorship was high and animal species like the cactus wren have used transplanted cacti for nesting.
Prickly pear cactus plays an important role in Orange County’s wildlands, serving as a food source for native animals, as well as shelter for a variety of rodents, reptiles and birds. The cactus wren, a native bird species to southern California, relies on native plants like the prickly pear cactus for nesting, as well as a form of protection from predators.
The prickly pear cactus was a highlight at this year’s IRC Volunteer and Partner Celebration as a way to shine light on this vital native species. Attendees enjoyed a prickly pear cactus themed event with prickly pear tea, candy, bandanas and more. Organizations like the Orange County Cactus & Succulent Society were in attendance to help put the prickly pear cactus-themed event together. To learn more about the Orange County Cactus & Succulent Society, visit OCCSS.org.
For more information about native plants on the Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Prickly pear cactus plays an important role in Orange County’s wildlands, serving as a food source for native animals, as well as shelter for a variety of rodents, reptiles and birds. The cactus wren, a native bird species to southern California, relies on native plants like the prickly pear cactus for nesting, as well as a form of protection from predators.
The prickly pear cactus was a highlight at this year’s IRC Volunteer and Partner Celebration as a way to shine light on this vital native species. Attendees enjoyed a prickly pear cactus themed event with prickly pear tea, candy, bandanas and more. Organizations like the Orange County Cactus & Succulent Society were in attendance to help put the prickly pear cactus-themed event together. To learn more about the Orange County Cactus & Succulent Society, visit OCCSS.org.
For more information about native plants on the Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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