Cactus Habitat: Pocono Mountains

Jennifer Galas

Lush forests and farmland on the banks of the Delaware River—an unexpected habitat for cactus!

Pocono Mountains

Northeastern Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has only one native cactus species, Opuntia humifusa, and it is considered a species "of special concern" by the Pennsylvania Biological Survey. Only about 30 occurrences throughout the state are known to the Survey.

This species grows in dry, exposed, rocky habitat like cliffs and shale barrens. As long as the ground around their roots drains well, these cacti can easily survive sub-freezing temperatures.

Threats to cacti in the northeastern states include poaching, quarrying, nonnative insect pests, habitat destruction, and extremely wet winters.

Opuntia humifusa on Pennsylvania cliff

The cacti grow on the very edge of this high cliff.

Flower buds forming on cacti

Buds begin to form in mid-May on the Eastern Prickly Pear cactus.

<i>Opuntia humifusa</i> blooms in PA in late June and early July.

Blooming Eastern Prickly Pear cactus

Opuntia humifusa blooms in PA in late June and early July.

<i>Opuntia humifusa</i> in full bloom in the photographer's garden, northern PA

Opuntia humifusa in full bloom

Opuntia humifusa in full bloom in the photographer's garden, northern PA

Cacti survive on rocky cliffs above the Delaware River, eastern PA

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