Hello,

Back in 2010 I went out to photograph wild cactus (Opuntia) in the Indiana Dunes for a little personal survey. I wanted to see what plants were associated with it when found in the more open dunes near the shoreline, rather than the heavily forested or wetland areas. I have also found the wild cactus in black oak forest. Other people have found them on limestone cliffs. I say this to sort of give an idea on how cactus live in our state and to better understand how to grow them in our gardens and restored habitats.

Shoreline of an Indiana Dune: taken from a boat in Lake Michigan.


Wild Opuntuia humifusa, Indiana Dunes. Taken 30 May, 2010
It likes to grow nestled with the Dune Grass.


Nearby flora:

milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora)

Sandcherry, Prunus pumila

Hairy Pucoon, Lithospermum croceum

Vitis riparia


It has been too long since I did these activities. I am very passionate about native plants and their habitats, especially our native opuntia. I still have yet to see one of our wild rare lizards. I miss that part of S. Florida is watching and catching lizards all day. That and the manatees, mini deer, tarpon, and saltwater crocodile. I know most lizards I saw are introduced or invasive but it is fun to chase anoles and watch geckos at lights eating bugs, especially as a child. 6 Lined Race Runner and Legless lizard would be great to find. Hey, good thing their habitat overlaps with some nice plants in my region.

I love learning how Opuntia grows naturally and cultivated in Great Lakes region. Anyone else have good northern cactus habitats or gardens? A friend's neighbor grew a patch on the whole side of the house, where shrubbery, juniper, and yews tend to reside. Nice security system, lol.

I too love to explore the dune-lands , they have such variety to offer
Have not made it up there this summer
I also enjoy looking for tracks , often find interesting tracks in the sand and know the shy residences are there somewhere.

I live extremely close to lake Michigan dune's! (Wisconsin) I would love to add to your pictures of dune plants. In my area. Will add some soon!

Found a couple pictures. These set of dunes are about 30 South of green bay. There's a lot more pics I can get. I just have to get there. Easy for me. The dunes are only a couple miles from my home. I haven't seen any optumia here yet.
I do grow them in my garden.


This is a winter picture. The trick to growing them in a garden is to keep them as dry as possible in winter and early spring. Under overhangs or cover them. They can take super cold Temps if there dry.

this one bloomed in my rock garden in late june

gardengus said:

this one bloomed in my rock garden in late june

Like it!! I just got some different cold hardy succulents for my garden. Going to plant them in spring.

Thanks for sharing your habitat photos! I love seeing the wild and cultivated cactus of the Great Lake States.

@gardengus what is your Opuntia? It has a very pretty colored flower. The local ones here are either yellow or yellow with a red eye.

@Hallow That is nice habitat. Looks like I have a future outing. I love the opuntia and yucca garden. Thanks for sharing. Isn't is quite something how our cactus turn all flat, shriveled, and purple to survive the winter? I hope you are able to post your experiences with Escobaria. I am trying them, too. I even have some seeds I am gonna try in spring.

I got some western cold hardy Escobaria missouriensis and Escobaria vivipara on sale this fall. I look forward to mid spring for their plating. I am looking for others in our region or even Ontario for experience getting these surviving past out wet and freezing early spring. I need something more than Opuntia in my outdoor garden cactus life.

As for Opuntia, they are a valuable source of food for people and wild life. Luckily this year I got to restart my Opuntia patches. Not bad for being on the North side. Hopefully I can get some into the front yard landscape that faces south for better health. They get black spots on the pads in the area they currently reside. I have also been propagating pads and grabbed a few fat fruit for seed planting next year.


Domestic opuntia patch and tasty fruits: I wonder what sort of cactus fruit eating critter lives in subdivision wastelands habitat? Vole, gray squirrel, tiny mouse, or chipmunk?

I don't know what opuntia I have , It has been in the garden too many years I have forgotten where it came from. Most likely a Master-gardeners sale , they have a lot of unusual plants.