Also known as “silver cholla” (CHOY-AH) and “teddybear cactus,” this
stocky bush cactus, with a short sturdy trunk and compact, densely
spined crown, is common on hot rocky, south-facing hillsides. Joints are
extremely brittle and the barbed spines catch so easily in the hair of
animals or clothing of persons that the joints appear to jump from the
plant. Joints broken off by the wind fall to the ground and take root in
the sandy soil, gradually developing forests of this striking cactus,
easily recognized by the silvery sheen of the spines. The attractive
flowers which appear from March to May blend inconspicuously with the
spiney joints.
_Opuntia bigelovii_ Cactus Family
[Illustration: JUMPING CHOLLA]