Pediocactus simpsonii (Simpson's hedgehog cactus)

Cacti are native only to the new world, but are found world wide thanks to the most invasive species of all.

Many people associate cacti with deserts but many species in both the mountains of Western North America and South America are high elevation plants. Pediocacus simpsonii is found from 5,000 all the way up to 10,000 feet. It would never dream of living in the warm deserts of Arizona or Mexico.

The forms found west of the Divide in Colorado are cream, white or pale yellow. Those above Denver are a lovely soft pink.