This is a compact variety of prickly pear cactus that has edible green pads with no thick spines and small clusters of tiny hair-like prickles.  Unlike prickly pear shrubs, this variety stays under two feet tall.  It has amazing multi-layered pale yellow flowers in late May or June, and small red fruit.  After toasting off the hairs, the tender green pads are called "nopales" and make great green salsa!