Mountain Ball Cactus

a.k.a. Hedgehog Cactus
Pediocactus simpsonii
Family: Cactus

These little Mountain Ball Cacti are hard to find. We’ve seen them from time to time here. Then we can’t find it again when try to. Interestingly, on our property, we have only seen them growing on the East or Northeast side of a pinyon, safe under the protection of its branches.

The picture of the cactus with the buds was taken just one day before the single flower photo. You can see it being visited by a Masked Bee whose hind legs are covered in pollen.

We have since seen a few on properties where there aren’t any trees. Joe saw a tiny duo at the overlook that holds the best view of our house.