Al Braden Photographer

Sixteen species of Prickly Pear - or Opuntia - thrive in the Big Bend region of the Chihuahuan Desert. They are a dominant species throughout the park, though different varieties claim different areas of the park. As they often hybridize, exact taxonomy from photos if often challenging. Late spring to early summer is their primary blooming season. Prickly Pear are the most abundant and varied Genus in Big Bend as these 81 photos attest.

The beautiful Strawberry Cactus is a spring gem in the desert, often blooming in April. Ten photos of one of the most stunning cacti in Big Bend.

Brilliant yellow blooms call attention to the Rainbow Cactus, so named because of the colorful patterns on its body. It will bloom late from late March into April and likes the limestone soils of the eastern Big Bend National Park. Here are my best photos of the beautiful Rainbow Cactus.

Big-needle Pincushion Cactus, Coryphantha macromeris The Big-Needle Pincushion Cactus brings forth brilliant magenta blooms after the August-September rains. These examples were found in the sandy soils near the Castolon Historic District in Big Bend National Park.

The beautiful Claret Cup Cactus often blooms along trail sides in April in the Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park. Photos of the brilliant Claret Cup are among my favorite in Big Bend.

Giant Fishhook Cactus, Ferocactus hamatacanthus var. hamatacanthus The Giant Fishhook Cactus produces dramatic blooms in September after the late summer rains in Big Bend National Park. Here are ten photos of the Giant Fishhook Cactus.

Dog Cholla is a common cactus in western Big Bend, often growing into large clusters low to the ground. It commonly blooms in April in the area. I've found these photos in various areas, generally on the western side of Big Bend.

The dramatic Tree Cholla produces beautiful magenta blooms in April and May in Big Bend National Park. Over two dozen photos of Tree Cholla, generally found in the foothills of Big Bend.

Christmas Cholla produces masses of red fruits - or tunas - in the fall which feed rabbits, deer and javelina among others. Their delicate yellow flowers appear in late summer. Here are photos of the Christmas Cactus blossoms and fruit.

Living Rock Cactus live very slowly in the caliche soils of the eastern side of Big Bend National Park. Their bodies are almost entirely underground, with only a small rosette above for photosynthesis. In severe drought, even that will be pulled underground to conserve water. Their delicate blooms come out in late October or November. I was lucky to find them blooming along the Old Ore Road in October, 2021. Thirty four photos of the elusive Living Rock Cactus.

Many beautiful - and sometimes rare - species of cactus inhabit the many ecosystems of Big Bend National Park. I'm always on the lookout for varieties I haven't seen before.