Buckhorn Cholla (Opuntia acanthocarpa) blooms seen yesterday afternoon. The blooms vary in color. I’ve seen yellow, yellow/orange, yellow/red, and orange/red. The bloom in this photo was about 2 1/4 inches wide. The name Buckhorn comes from the antler-like appearance of the cactus. Antlers full of thorns!

So why is Chris touching it?! This second photo was taken at the first sign of new growth. The brand new growth is actually soft and pliable and is the only time you would be able to touch it and not leave with a spine in your finger.