Desert Blooms - Cactus

Anyone can recognize the imposing sight of the saguaro cactus and it is used all over Arizona for landscaping, but there are a few cacti that don't get the fame they deserve.  Cactus species are not just spiky little plants that we try to avoid touching, some can be quite beautiful and they'll save you on your properties’ water bill.

Prickly Pear
The prickly pear cactus represent about a dozen species in the North American deserts. All have flat, fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually modified branches or stems that serve several functions -- water storage, photosynthesis and flower production. Like other cactus, most prickly pears have large spines. Prickly pear cactus are found in all of the deserts of the American Southwest. Most prickly pears have large spines on their stems and vary in height from less than a foot to 6 or 7 feet. Most of these plants have yellow, red or purple flowers, even among the same species. Pads can vary in width, length, shape and color. The Beavertail, Santa Rita and Blind Pear are regarded as spineless but the spines are just harder to see.

Hedgehog
Hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent native to the southwestern United States. This cactus earned its name because its short, spiny stems resemble hedgehogs. Hedgehog cactus is common in its native range and produces colorful flowers in the spring. This cactus grows in clumps of three to 60 stems per clump. Each light green stem grows up to 12 inches tall. Hedgehog cacti often develop an almost solid covering of sharp spines. All hedgehog-cactus varieties have colorful flowers, and most have edible fruit. The flowers open after the spring rains from February to May. The hedgehog cactus flowers vary from an intense magenta to shades of pink, purple and lavender. The blossoms last for five days, opening in the morning and closing at night. Hedgehog-cactus flowers are up to 3 inches wide, making them look quite large in comparison to the size of the stems.The reddish-orange fruit develops once flowering is complete. The fruit is covered in deciduous spines that fall off as the fruit reaches maturity. Hedgehog cactus is also called strawberry hedgehog cactus for the strawberry taste of its fruit. Like most cacti, the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil. It needs well-draining soil, as it is prone to root rot if its roots remain wet for extended periods. This plant prefers full sun, but tolerates light shade. Hedgehog cactus can also make a fine container plant or lawn specimen. 

Barrel
Ferocactus, meaning "fierce or wild cactus," they are always cylindrical or barrel shaped and are usually among the largest cacti of the North American deserts.  Growing up to 10 feet high, all have stout ribs, and are fiercely armed with heavy spines that usually grow along the ribs, sometimes forming a cross in the center of the cluster. In some species, one or more central spines are curved like a fishhook, accounting for the common name Fishhook Barrel Cactus. Most barrel cactus have 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inch Beautiful yellow-green or red flowers growing in a crown near the top of the stem. Most species bloom April through June, depending on local conditions. They bear no spines and only a few scales. Fruits become fleshy and often juicy when mature, but are not usually considered edible.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help your commercial property.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net