Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear

The Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear, scientifically known as Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis, is a distinctive and highly ornamental variety of the Engelmann Prickly Pear, celebrated for its uniquely shaped pads. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically regions like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, it thrives in a wide range of arid and semi-arid desert and grassland environments, often found on rocky slopes, flatlands, and in washes. This resilient long-lived perennial can form large, spreading clumps over many years.

Its most defining characteristic, and the source of its common name, is its elongated, wavy, and somewhat twisted cladodes (pads), which can reach up to 18 inches long and are indeed reminiscent of a cow’s tongue. These pads are typically bluish-green to dark green, sometimes developing purplish tints in cold weather or intense sun. The pads are dotted with areoles bearing clusters of reddish-brown glochids (tiny, barbed bristles) and one to several long, formidable spines that are often yellowish or brownish. In late spring to early summer, the Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear produces showy, cup-shaped flowers that range in color from bright yellow to orange-yellow, sometimes with reddish centers, creating a vibrant display. These blooms are followed by edible, reddish-purple, barrel-shaped fruits that are highly valued by desert wildlife and can be used for jellies and juices. Its unique pad shape, impressive size, and drought tolerance make the Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear an excellent choice for xeriscaping, large rock gardens, and naturalized desert landscapes where a bold, architectural statement is desired.