May 13, 2020

Teddy Bear Cholla
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
2020

A.K.A. Cylindropuntia bigelovii, the teddy bear cholla, is arguably the Sonoran Desert’s most attractive nuisance. It’s also known as jumping cholla for good reason. It seems you just have to look crosswise at one and a section, known as a joint, will stick to your clothes or skin. When I lived in Tucson many years ago, I pulled many a cholla joint from my dogs and the occasional friend as well.