Wildflower Wednesday - Mountain Ball Cactus

By Andy Ames

With the melting of snow and new moisture from fresh precipitation, Mountain Ball Cactus emerge from dormancy. Throughout the winter they are inconspicuous, laying low to the ground or even slightly below the surface. The absorption of new moisture brings them back to life. Their satiny flowers make them impossible to ignore. The Mountain Ball Cactus is well adapted to unpredictable mountain conditions and can be found from the foothills to over 11,000’. Like other cacti, Mountain Ball Cactus open their pores at night when it is cooler to absorb CO2. CO2 is then stored for use in photosynthesis during the day. By morning they close their pores to prevent moisture loss. By late spring or early summer, however, they have had enough and will retreat once again for protection from the heat and herbivores until once again prompted to emerge in the spring. Mountain Ball Cactus can be found on dry sandy slopes. They can tolerate partial shade so may be seen near trees, rocks, or light debris.

Mountain Ball Cactus are distinguished for their white radial needles and dark vertical needles. Did you know that cactus needles are vestiges of leaves? Needles not only provide protection for the plant but aid in water collection and slow moisture loss, while also giving just a little shade as well.

It is often easy to overlook Mountain Ball Cactus until they bloom. If it weren’t for the flowers you might never have know this cactus was even there.

I am not sure if this is one cactus with multiple heads or multiple cacti clumped together. Either way, it is pretty impressive.

Mountain Ball Cactus berries contain hard, poppy-sized seeds. Once dispersed, these seeds may lay dormant for years or even decades. A mild spring after a freeze, wildfire, drought, or some other disturbance may trigger the seed to sprout. This way, even if the established cacti don’t survive, a new generation will emerge.