Al Braden Photographer

Arizona Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus wislizeni This dramatic species only occurs naturally in Texas along the foothills of Mt. Franklin in El Paso, Texas. Someday, I'll catch them in blooming in late summer.

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.

Cholla cactus form many exotic shapes, including these examples of the Tree Cholla, Clumped Dog Cholla and the Christmas Cholla.

Claret Cup Cactus, Echinocereus occineus Claret Cup Cactus are among the most beautiful in the desert, often forming large clumps with bright red flowers that last several days.

Cob Cactus, Coryphantha tuberculosa The Cob Cactus is a small species, often hidden quietly among rocks. It's delicate flowers call attention to pollinators in season.

Devil's Head Cactus, Echinocactus horizonthalonius This cactus lives low to the ground and features fearsome defensive spines.

Clump Dog Cholla, Corynopuntia aggeria, grows into sprawling low mats in West Texas areas such as Big Bend National Park, Texas. It typically flowers in the spring.

Eagle-claw Cactus Sclerocactus uncinatus var. wrightii Delicate reddish brown flowers identify the Eagle-claw Cactus.

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.

Glory of Texas Cactus, Thelocactus bicolor This beauty lives among the desert rocks until it calls out with bright magenta blooms.

Echinocactus texensis, Horse-Crippler Cactus This cactus lays close to the ground with fearsome spines. Horses and hikers alike often don't see it when it's not in bloom or covered with bright fruits.

Lace Cactus, Echinocereus reichenbachii This tiny cactus is often no bigger than your fist, yet produces stunning magenta flowers that last just a day. It's one of my favorites!

Living Rock Cactus, Ariocarpus fissuratus The Living Rock has a very quiet existence, often reaching 50 years at maturity. The bulk of the cactus is underground in it's well protected root - and in times of drought, it will even pull the top underground to conserve water. I was lucky to find them blooming along the Old Ore Road in October.

Nipple Cactus, Mammillaria meiacantha Here's another quiet cactus, living close to ground and often unnoticed. It's delicate blooms call attention. Here are photos of the Nipple Cactus in bloom at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Pott's Mammillaria, Mammillaria pottsii Delicate reddish brown flowers protrude from the spine covered Pott's Mammillaria .

Prickly Pear, Opuntia, sp. Prickly Pear are widely spread in Texas, producing beautiful spring flowers. Some species are easy to identify, but many hybridize making exact taxonomy difficult.

Texas Rainbow Cactus, Echinocereus dasyacanthus Yellow flowers call attention to the Rainbow Cactus, but the name actually calls attention to the colored bands found on some specimens.

Rusty Hedgehog Cactus, Echinocereus russanthus Reddish brown flowers bring pollinators to this small cactus found in the Big Bend area.

These Small-flowered Hedgehog cactus were found at the Davis Mountains State Park in April.

Strawberry Cactus, Echinocereus enneacantus Colorful clumps of dramatic blooms are true delight in the west Texas desert. these are favorites wherever they are found!

Texas Cone Cactus, Neolloydia conoidea Found along the trails of Big Bend Ranch State Park, this small cactus produces a really bright flower.

Cactus bloom widely throughout the Southwest and I've only scratched the surface. Here are some sample cactus blooms from Colorado and Utah.