Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)

This common cactus features flat, paddle-shaped pads with orange/yellow blooms and red fruit. It blooms from April through June. 

Ecology: Fruits feed birds, javelina, and tortoises; flowers support bees.

Fast Facts

  • Fruits (tunas), pads, and roots are important seasonal food for birds, rodents, javelina, deer and desert tortoises; animals also disperse seeds.
  • Flowers are visited by native bees (and other pollinators); pads offer microhabitat and shelter for small animals.
  • Ability to root from pads helps stabilize soil and quickly re-occupy disturbed microhabitats.
PUBLIC NOTICE

*****Liberty Wildlife Cannot Take Ducks, Geese or Lovebirds at this time *****

Liberty Wildlife is following proper protocols and taking precautions to prevent the spread of the avian flu in our facility and the community. Currently, we have been advised to not take any waterfowl (ducks or geese) to help minimize exposure to other animals. All waterfowl that are sick/injured should be transported to our partner Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG).

Veterinary Emergency Group
7210 W Ray Rd                              2196 E Camelback
Chandler, AZ 85226                     Phoenix, AZ 85016
(I-10 & Ray Rd)                             (Biltmore Area)

You can also call East Valley Wildlife to ask their current availability for ducks/geese: 480-814-9339

Crystal’s Critter Haven is another resource: Text  480-220-6930 with a picture of the animal and cross-streets

We also have been advised to not take in lovebirds anymore. Please try any of the groups above. Thank you for understanding.

Native American Wildlife Celebration VEG website VEG map

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