@crittergarden Yes, it is a prickly pear. On our travels through Texas I have seen them along the road and was tempted to stop and pick off an "ear" or two to bring back home but now if I want one I can just ask our daughter.

Thanks everyone for all the thumbs, acorns and gracious comments.

Those actually survive here in Pgh, but I've never seen a purple one!
Is it relevant to temperature or dryness, maybe?

AHA!!!!
Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia macrocentra)
It's a different VARIETY than I was familiar with!

And now it's in my want list!!

I hesitate to put any cactus plants in my yard because of the uncertain terrain and I'm not always too steady on my feet.

Typically, I don't allow anything with thorns - including roses.
BUT someone once used the term "urban barbed wire" of the roses under his windows.
So I think of them for those certain areas.

I do have one rose. It's a climber on an arbor.

Excellent Jean! Beautiful array of color! Great banner!

Tara