Cactus That Are Actually Edible

Prickly pear cactus When discussing edible cacti, the first type that likely comes to mind is the prickly pear cactus with its wide, flat paddles and bright red fruit. The opuntia, commonly called the prickly pear or Indian fig cactus, can be found broadly throughout the Americas and is popular in the cuisines of Mexico and the American Southwest.

Dragon fruit Originating in Central and South America, the dramatic dragon fruit, wrapped in pink and yellow scales with a speckled white center, has become a popular addition to tropical fruit trays, smoothies, salads, juices, and cocktails. 

Peruvian apple cactus A relative of the dragon fruit, the Peruvian apple cactus bears thorn-less fruit that is purple or red to yellow when ripe with a fleshy white interior dotted with edible seeds. The fruit is smooth and spherical on the outside, distinguishing itself from its scaly dragon fruit cousin. 

Queen of the night cactus Another type of edible cactus is the stunning Queen of the Night, also known as epiphyllum oxypetalum or orchid cactus (via Leafy Palace). This climbing cactus is native to Southern Mexico and South America and has become a prized house plant despite its finicky nature. 

Barrel cactus With long spines that can be made into fish hooks, needles, toothpicks, and sutures, as well as yellow fruit that resemble small pineapples with edible seeds, this squat, round barrel cactus is a desert survivalists gold mine. 

Cholla cactus A long-time food source for indigenous peoples across the American Southwest, the cholla cactus is a versatile provider of nutrients via its edible fruit, buds, joints, and stalks.

Saguaro cactus The towering saguaro cactus is an icon of desert landscapes and an enduring symbol of the American Southwest. The saguaro is a keystone species that has long been an important source of food and shelter for indigenous tribes of the Sonoran Desert.

Hedgehog cactus Echinocereus, or hedgehog cactus, are prickly shrub-like cactus found across the American Southwest and northern Mexico with bright pink blooms that produce red, fleshy fruit.

Blue myrtle cactus Blue myrtle cactus is a fascinating variety that transforms as it matures, starting as a single, star-shaped stalk before growing its first few branches and making its way from a prickly shrub to a towering cactus tree.

Moon cactus The colorful moon cactus is a fascinating plant that is actually not one single cactus species but two different types of cacti that have been grafted together to create this unique specimen.