Opuntia engelmannii
This multi-branched cactus can be 5’ tall and 10’-15’ in diameter.
The light green-bluish, broad flattened pads have white spines, up to 1” long, that point downwards.
From April-June it may have yellow blooms that turn orange with age.
The fruit is plump, red, and darkens to purple.
It has minutes spines and inside are numerous hard seeds. It is used in jellies, candy, and syrup.
Pads can be eaten fresh or cooked. Mashed and pulped pads can be used as a poultice for insect bites.