Outer Island Ecology

House and Gardens

Upland Flora

Did you know that there is a native cactus in Connecticut? Yes, Opuntia humifusa or the prickly-pear grows in all eastern states except Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Although it is rare and listed as a species of special concern in the state, you can find it on several units of the Stewart B. McKinney NWR. Its beautiful yellow flower blooms in late-spring or early-summer and only lasts for one day. In the winter, the plant pulls most of the water out of its cells to avoid freezing damage. The cactus is pollinated primarily by bees.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is native to Connecticut

The area in Green in the aerial image above is the "Upland Vegetation".