Photo by Rita Frey
SINGING THE PRAISES OF PRICKLYPEAR Article by STEVE NELLE
P
ricklypear cactus is undoubtedly one of the most wellknown plants in Texas. Whether hunter, hiker, nature lover or old-time cowboy, nearly everyone is familiar with pricklypear. There are about 20 different species of pricklypear in Texas, but since it can be hard to tell one kind from another and since they hybridize, most landowners just lump them all together and call the plant “pear.” The two main forms are the tall upright types and the low prostrate types called “running pear.” Opinions about pricklypear are as heated as today’s political debates. Some hate it; some tolerate it in a moderate amount; and, some see it as a desirable plant with many virtues. For wildlife managers, its values are clear. American Wildlife and Plants, published in 1951 is still considered the bible for general wildlife food habit information. The authors state that pricklypear species “are outstandingly important wildlife food plants.” In addition to its food value, there are many other benefits to this well-known plant.
32 T E X A S W I L D L I F E
JUNE 2021
NURSE PLANT One of the most significant benefits of pricklypear is the protection it affords to many other plants that may not survive otherwise. Not only does pear provide physical protection from grazing and browsing, but it also provides shade and windbreak for young plants that aids in their establishment. Nurserymen use a lath house to protect young plants from harsh sun and provide a cooler more favorable environment. Pricklypear does the same thing on millions of acres. It is not uncommon to see preferred grasses, desirable forbs and palatable browse species growing up out of a pricklypear clump and for these same plants to be absent or rare outside of the pricklypear's protection.. As you walk in the pasture this summer, note the plants that exist in the protection of pricklypear. POLLINATOR INSECTS Today there is high interest in managing land for the benefit of native pollinator insects. This heightened awareness is due to
