“I’d probably have to carry a prickly pear cactus to remind me of home even if it had to over-winter in a geenhouse tho.”
Mom’s lives outside in Zone 4b and comes back every year. It’s gorgeous when it blooms...but I’m not taking any for my yard...and I’m ALSO not digging it out for her. That requires a paid professional! :)
I have 2 spineless prickly pears growing in big pots. They do ok being root bound but only I only get 3-4 fruit off each per year. Being spineless does not mean there aren’t the occasional microscopic cactus hairs that pierce and embed. When I decide to make prickly pear jelly I go pick by the highways armed with big tongs, welding gloves and thick clothing. We take tongs on camping trips to grab pads, burn the outside over the campfire then cook. But any method of using these things for food includes a healthy respect for spines!
I have helped a ranching friend clear pastures of prickly pears. Lots of fire. Rather than engage the beasts we burned em out.