Photo: Cholla Cactus, Desert Botanical Gardens

On the left side of this photo stands a well known resident of Arizona, the “Jumping” Cholla Cactus. This is one of many cholla cacti also known as “jumping cactus.” It is said to “jump” on you if you get close to it. It does not really jump, but easily becomes attached to you with the slightest touch. It is best to keep your distance from it. The thorns easily penetrate clothing and skin, swelling in wet skin and becoming very difficult and painful to remove. The thorns have tiny sharp barbs that make removal a painful chore. It is a good idea to keep a pair of needle nose pliers or tweezers handy if you plan to hike a desert landscape full of cholla cactus! The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona is a wonderful introduction to the astonishing variety of desert plants that are native to the Sonoran Desert.

The thorns are said to resemble the fuzzy arms and legs of a Teddy Bear, thus the name Teddy Bear Cholla. It can easilly be distinguished by its dense, straw-colored spines and yellow to green flowers.