There are a lot of cactus that actually grow here in zone 2b naturally! I grew up near the Qu'Appelle valley, and there are plenty out in the hills around there!

I had one for a few years but it ended up dying during a very wet spring.

That is amazing Weeper, I wonder if it is the same variety of cactus. I also find the some of the other native plants around here (link below) very interesting - especially sagebush, silverberry, prairie crocus and brown eyed susan I see in the coulees... And of course, the wild roses are lovely, amazing fragrance.

Good point Marcia on the cactus dying in wet areas, now that I think of it I might spread a few around to some dry areas closer to the house. Where they are now has a risk of water sitting in the spring. Better to spread them out and not have all eggs in one basket.

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex146

The second one is the one I had. Gil sent it to me. Wonder if she still has hers. I have a really dry spot now where it could go - don't think I had that built when I had the cactus.

Prickly pear cactus is the type that we have in Qu'Appelle(though there may very well be more varieties, I'm not sure).

Nice!
Looks like from southern Alberta with yellow flowers, had them for many
years until they got too shady,..gave some to neighbor, sunnier location and still thriving.

Nice dog, by the way!

I do a lot of fishing and just south of calgary there are tons of those cactus. You can find them anywhere around brooks.

I have relatives near there. I will have to check them out next I'm out there.

It's certainly underplanted. Cactus is native to the Peace River valley as far north as -- as far as I'm aware -- Paddle Prairie, some 250 km north of me (in Peace River).

I hope I get some flowers. I learned the other day the thorns/hairs can cause hives and itchiness, I had one stuck in my hand.

Weeper, yes he's not a bad looking dog. I wish I could take credit for it but it's mostly mother nature's doing. If only he behaved as nice as he looks. These german shorthairs sure are persistent. At least he enjoys eating quack grass.