Colorado Wildbuds

Pediocactus simpsonii

Pediocactus simpsonii, Troublesome Creek Area, Grand Co. 2217

Scientific Name	Pediocactus simpsonii	USDA PLANTS Symbol	PESI
Common Name	Mountain Cactus, Simpson Hedgehog Cactus	ITIS Taxonomic Serial No.	19776
Family	Cactaceae (Cactus)	SEINet Reference	Click Here
Description	Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (5200 to 10500 ft.); dry soils on rocky hillsides. Plant: Small, often solitary cactus plants with spherical or ovoid stems that may be flattened or depressed; 1 to 6 inches across. Pads & Spines: No pads; stems are green with short conical tubercules, almost obscured by spines, each with an areole at the top; 15 to 35 white widely spreading radial spines, 0.1 to 0.5-inch long; 4 to 11 central spines per areole, reddish brown with lower half cream or yellow, 0.2 to 0.8 inches long. Inflorescence: Flowers are up to 1 inch across with usually pink tepals, but may be white, cream, yellow or magenta; stamens are yellow and stigma lobes green. Bloom Period: April to June. Fruit: Short cylindrical, green tinged with red or turning reddish-brown, less than 1/2-inch long. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, iNaturalist and SEINet. Note: Pediocactus simpsonii has adapted to survive in cold and dry environments and can be found at higher elevations than any other cactus in North America.	BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key	Colorado Status: Native

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains