Opuntia fragilis ‘Jason Owens’

Fragile prickly pear (Opuntia fragilis) is widespread across western North America and occurs in all Canadian provinces from Ontario west plus the western half of the US. It has small pads that can be cylindrical (usually in the BC interior) or larger and somewhat flattened (BC coastal forms). The pads can be upright or prostrate. In summer they produce bright yellow cactus flowers. This is the most northerly of all cactus species occurring only 8 degrees of latitude south of the Arctic Circle in Alberta. Plant in full sun in sharply draining soil. ‘Jason Owens’ is named in memory of a good friend who left us too soon. It was collected on a group kayaking trip with him near Desolation Sound, BC. This handsome form has muscular, dark green pads and little to a moderate number of thorns. O. fragilis is one of those few plants with a range that stretches from his native Alberta to his chosen home in coastal BC. It reminds us of the fragility of life and to enjoy each day to its fullest, in the garden, in a kayak, or where ever you are but especially with good friends and family. Coastal forms may not be quite as hardy as forms collected in cold climates.