Family: Cactaceae
Author: (Engelm.) Britton & Rose
Bibliography: N.L.Britton & A.Brown, Ill. Fl. N. U.S., ed. 2, 2: 570 (1913)
Year: 1913
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pediocactus
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. U.S.A.
Description
The Plains cactus, scientifically known as Pediocactus simpsonii, is an intriguing member of the Cactaceae family. This unique species finds its native habitat in the western-central region of the United States, where it thrives in arid and semi-arid climates. Its resilience and adaptation to these conditions make it a remarkable specimen among cacti, often sought after by enthusiasts for its distinctive characteristics.
Named by the botanists N.L. Britton and A. Brown in their 1913 publication “Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States” (second edition), Pediocactus simpsonii carries the authority of (Engelm.) Britton & Rose, reflecting the combined efforts of these respected figures in botany. This cactus features a compact, globular form, typically covered in dense, spiny areoles that provide both protection and a unique texture to its appearance.
The Plains cactus showcases small, yet vibrant flowers that range from pink to yellow, creating a striking contrast against its typically green to bluish stem. This flowering characteristic, along with its hardy nature, makes it an interesting addition to xeriscapes and rock gardens. Additionally, its capability to withstand extreme temperatures and minimal water conditions underscores its adaptability—a true hallmark of the Cactaceae family.
In the wild, Pediocactus simpsonii presents a fascinating study of survival and adaptation, offering insights into the ecological dynamics of arid environments. Its natural distribution across the western-central United States also highlights the diverse climate resilience strategies employed by flora in this region. Whether observed in its native habitat or cultivated within a controlled environment, the Plains cactus remains a symbol of botanical tenacity and beauty.
Common Names
Eng: simpson’s foot cactus, simpson’s hedgehog cactus, mountain cactus, plains cactus, snowball pediocactus
Swe: klotpediokaktus
En: Plains cactus, Mountain cactus, Simpson’s foot cactus, Simpson’s hedgehog cactus, Simpson hedgehog cactus, Snowball pediocactus, Mountain ball cactus
Sv: Klotpediokaktus
Synonyms
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. flaminggorgensis (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus nigrispinus subsp. indranus ((Hochstätter) Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii var. caespiticus (Backeb.)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. muehlii (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. kuenzleri (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. flinspachii (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. acklinii (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. montanensis (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. campestris (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. dinosauriensis (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii var. minor ((Engelm.) Cockerell)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. prairie (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii var. hermannii ((W.T.Marshall) W.T.Marshall)
- Echinocactus simpsonii f. minor ((Engelm.) Schelle)
- Echinocactus simpsonii (Engelm.)
- Pediocactus simpsonii var. indranus (Hochstätter)
- Echinocactus simpsonii var. robustior (J.M.Coult.)
- Pediocactus simpsonii subsp. indranus ((Hochstätter) Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus hermannii (W.T.Marshall)
- Echinocactus simpsonii var. minor (Engelm.)
- Mammillaria purpusii (K.Schum.)
- Mammillaria spaethiana (Späth)
- Pediocactus simpsonii subsp. robustior ((J.M.Coult.) Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii f. sandiamontanus (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus robustior ((J.M.Coult.) Arp)
- Mammillaria simpsonii ((Engelm.) M.E.Jones)
- Pediocactus simpsonii subsp. idahoensis (Hochstätter)
- Pediocactus simpsonii subsp. bensonii (Hochstätter)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Adam Van Straten (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 22, 2022 by tyler munson (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2022 by tyler munson (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2020 by julien blundell (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084072)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:186549-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pediocactus simpsonii (Engelm.) Britton & Rose)