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Pediocactus simpsonii
Pediocactus simpsonii (Engelm.) Britton & Rose
Simpson Hedgehog Cactus, Mountain Ball Cactus
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: PESI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Although Pediocactus simpsonii has a wide geographic distribution, from Oregon and Montana south to Arizona and New Mexico, the cactus is still relatively uncommon, growing in high elevation locations, often in small, localized areas, frequently obscured by grass and fallen leaves. The plant may form clusters but usually remains solitary, starting as a neat globe, becoming elongated and cylindrical when aged (up to 10 inches tall).
The 15 to 35 white radial spines are thin and short, while the 4 to 11 central spines are thicker, longer (up to 3/4 inch), and brown or yellow at the tips; all grow from pronounced tubercles, arranged in spirals. Spine cover tends to be dense, nearly or completely obscuring the green stems, though in some specimens the spines are much shorter, and fewer in number.
The plant's appearance changes greatly in different locations, and several sub species have been proposed, but distinguishing features are so variable across the 900 mile range that precise identification is difficult.
This cactus is fairly popular with collectors. Other species of the genus are rare. Mass collecting of cacti is inexcusable, but even the person who digs only one has a detrimental effect, for if many take only "their share" eventually entire plant populations are depleted.
Description provided courtesy of The American Southwest.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to 10 inches tall.
Flower: Yellow at the center, white to pink around the edges, up to 1 inch long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , YellowBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Diurnal.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WYNative Distribution: The Rocky Mountains, from south Montana to north New Mexico; also scattered locations in Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
Native Habitat: Grassland, sagebrush flats, pinyon-juniper woodland; up to 11,000 feet elevation.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Conditions Comments: Minimum temperature 45F.
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles GlassSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Pediocactus simpsonii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pediocactus simpsonii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pediocactus simpsonii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-14Research By: TWC Staff