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June 30, 2022  |  By Ben Ivers

Hedgehog Cactus

Hedgehog Cactus Live

Hedgehog Cactus - IUCN Conservation Status: Varied

This is likely either a Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus or a Strawberry Cactus

When walking through the desert during the golden hour right before or after sunset, there are so many amazing photos that you can take. This photo is of a hedgehog cactus that I took near the Croton Springs primitive roadside campsite in Big Bend National Park. This is likely either a Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus (scientific name Echinocereus stramineus and further common names of porcupine hedgehog cactus, straw-color hedgehog, and pitaya) or a Strawberry Cactus (scientific name Echinocereus enneacanthus). Both species of hedgehog cactus are native to Big Bend National Park, and they are each named for their “straw” like spines.

Orb Weaver

I really enjoy this photo because of the contrasts that are found throughout. The spines of the cactus overlap one another from one stem segment to the next. The ribs of the cactus are oriented in a vertical plane while most of the spines are oriented in a horizontal plane. The brightness of the spines in the foreground is juxtaposed by the darkness in the background. I originally took this photo in color, and I love it so much more in black and white. It really causes you to focus in on the details of this cactus.

Hedgehog cactus is the common name for the Echinocereus genus. There are about seventy species in this genus, and they are all native to the southern United States and Mexico. They can be found in very sunny rocky places. Most of these cacti have large flowers that develop edible fruit. The cactus pictured here is about a foot tall, which makes sense as that is close to the max height of the two potential species.

Black Swallowtail

Take a Closer Look

The strawberry hedgehog cactus typically has 11-17 ribs per stem. There can be as many as 500 stems on one plant. The areoles, which is the part of the cactus where the spines grow from, contain around 2-4 central spines and 7-10 radial spines. The flowers of the strawberry hedgehog cactus are red, while the strawberry cactus has pink flowers.

If you enjoy the look of this cactus, I highly recommend a trip to Big Bend National Park. It is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, and it offers an amazing desert to explore. Another highlight of Big Bend is the fact that an entire mountain range is contained within its limits. The Chisos Mountains are fully encompassed by the park. If you are looking for a vacation on the water, then head to the south end of the park where you can spend time on the Rio Grande.

The flowers of the strawberry hedgehog cactus are red, while the strawberry cactus has pink flowers.

THIS MONTH'S GALLERY
black and white cactus desert macro texas

Article by Ben Ivers

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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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