Prickly Pear

Honeybees are attracted to Opuntia engelmannii for its rich nectar and copious pollen during the spring flowering period, which peaks from April to June in temperate climates. Each flower lasts only one day but blooms profusely across the pads, providing a brief but intense foraging opportunity in arid and semi-arid habitats. The plant requires well-drained soil and protection from excessive browsing, as livestock may damage the pads, and handlers should beware of sharp spines and irritating glochids.