Cactus flowers in the spring are a big draw for us coming to Tucson, Arizona from March to June. The hedgehog cactus start first in March, then pincushion start to bloom, later barrel cactus, prickly pear, cholla and eventually the saguaro by May. We left at the beginning of April and the barrel, cholla, and prickly pear were loaded with buds and about to bloom, still too early for saguaro.
Hedgehog Cactus-Flowers
The hedgehog cactus are often one of the first desert cactus bloomers. They come in a range of colors, from bright magenta and rose pink to sunny yellow and even pale lavender. The flowers are typically tubular or trumpet-shaped, with wide petals at the end. This trumpet design helps to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, who are crucial for reproduction. Depending on the species, hedgehog cactus flowers can be quite large and showy. Some varieties, like Engelmann’s hedgehog cactus, boast blooms that reach 2-3 inches wide, adding a stunning pop of color to the desert landscape.
After a successful pollination, the hedgehog cactus flower transforms into a fleshy fruit. Unlike the smooth fruits of many cacti, the hedgehog cactus stays true to its name – the fruit is often covered in small spines, similar to the cactus itself.
Despite the spiky exterior, the flesh of the hedgehog cactus fruit is typically sweet and edible. In some species, the taste is reminiscent of strawberries, hence the nickname “strawberry cactus” for some varieties.
The sweet fruit not only entices seed-dispersing animals like birds and mammals, but it also serves as a reward for the pollinators who helped create it. These animals eat the fruit and disperse the seeds through their droppings, helping to propagate the cactus.
The spines on the fruit of some hedgehog cactus species fall off as the fruit ripens, making it easier for animals to consume.
Native American tribes have traditionally used cactus fruits for food and medicinal purposes.
Claret Cup Cactus-Flowers
The claret cup cactus, is a charming little hedgehog cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The claret cup cactus is low-growing, typically reaching only 1-2 feet in height.
Despite its prickly exterior, the claret cup is known for its beautiful flowers. These trumpet-shaped blooms typically appear in the spring and come in a range of colors, most commonly bright red-orange, but also variations of pink and yellow. The flowers tend to cluster at the top of the stems, creating a stunning display of color against the green cactus and the often harsh desert backdrop.
The common name “claret cup” perfectly describes the shape and color of the flowers.
The claret cup cactus thrives in hot, dry climates with well-draining soil. In the wild, it’s found in various habitats, including desert scrublands, juniper-pinyon woodlands, and even at the base of larger plants. We’ve seen them on the North rim of the Grand Canyon.
Big Bertha Torch Cactus-Flowers
These blooms are huge. Its a type of hedgehog cactus. The flowers only last a day and bloom in the early morning. We felt privileged to witness it.
Pincushion Cactus
Pincushion cactus, also known as mammillaria, is a large genus of small, adorable cacti native to the Americas. They are popular ornamental plants due to their unique appearance and ease of care.
Pincushion cacti are typically round or barrel-shaped with knobby bumps called tubercles all over their surface. These tubercles are topped with clusters of spines, giving the cactus a pincushion-like appearance, hence the name. The spines themselves come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, brown, and even red, adding to their visual appeal. Interestingly, some species have special hooked spines that help to anchor them in the soil and prevent them from being blown away by wind or rolling down hills.
Despite their prickly exterior, pincushion cacti can be surprisingly beautiful. During spring and summer, they produce small flowers that bloom from the space between the tubercles. These flowers come in a range of colors as well, including pink, yellow, red, and white, adding a delightful pop of color to the cactus. There are over 150 species of mammillaria, each with its own unique characteristics.
Barrel Cactus
The barrel cactus are aptly named for their characteristic barrel-shaped bodies. This round shape helps them conserve water, a vital adaptation for surviving the hot, dry Sonoran Desert. Their thick, fleshy stems store water during the rainy season, allowing them to weather long periods of drought.
Barrel cacti are well-protected. They are covered in dense clusters of spines that vary in color and length depending on the species. These spines deter herbivores from munching on their precious water stores. Some species even have hooked spines that can snag fur or feathers, making them even more formidable. During spring and early summer, barrel cacti surprise onlookers with a stunning display of flowers. These colorful blooms typically appear at the crown of the cactus, adding a vibrant splash of color to the desert landscape. Flowers can range from bright yellow and orange to deep red or even purple, depending on the species.
After pollination, the flowers of the barrel cactus give way to small, fleshy fruits. These fruits, while sometimes spiny themselves, are a valuable food source for desert wildlife, including birds, mammals, and even reptiles. When these animals consume the fruit, they also disperse the seeds, helping to propagate the cactus population.
And then there are some we just aren’t sure what they are.
