Joshua Tree National Park Cactus

A Barrel Cactus on a rock out-cropping in the Mojave National Preserve.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus)

The Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) is a commonly seen resident of the desert southwest and its range includes California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico. The…
Beavertail Prickly Pear. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Beavertail Prickly Pear (opuntia basilaris)

The Beavertail Prickly Pear cactus (opuntia basilaris) is very common in the desert south west, and would go most of the year most of the…
Claret Cup Cactus

Mojave Mound Cactus ( Echinocereus mohavensis )

The Mojave Mound Cactus or Claret Cup Cactus boasts a bright red - orange flower blossom. The Mojave Mound Cactus ( Echinocereus mohavensis ) is…
Pencil Cholla ( Cylindropuntia ramosissima ) - Photo by James L Rathbun

Pencil Cholla ( Cylindropuntia ramosissima )

Pencil Cholla ( Cylindropuntia ramosissima ), also known as Diamond Cholla, is a medium sized cacti species which is mainly categorized from long narrow body…
Silver Cholla waiting for an incoming storm.

Silver Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)

Silver Cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa) is a common species of cactus which is native to the southwestern United States including Nevada, Arizona and California. The Silver…
Teddybear Cholla ( Cylindropuntia bigelovii ) photographed near Nelson Nevada - Photo by James L Rathbun

Teddybear Cholla ( Cylindropuntia bigelovii )

The soft bristly cactus spines give the Teddybear Cholla its furry, cute appearance and mask the ferocious defense of this desert cactus. This member of…