grassland pricklypear, Opuntia cymochila

Grassland pricklypear is one of several species you might see growing in or near a northeastern cemetery. For one thing, they're very decorative. And they like sand. But why are cemeteries often sandy? When most of them were started, we were a largely agrarian bunch. Sandy areas were not very good for growing crops. So they were the places we built on or buried in. Besides, it was easy digging. Grassland pricklypear is native to CO, KS, NE, NM, OK, and TX. Logan Co CO, 6/16/13. Cactus family, Cactaceae.