Sclerocactus mesae-verdae

Scientific Name: Sclerocactus mesae-verdae (Boissev. & C.Davidson) L.D.Benson
Synonym: Coloradoa mesae-verdae, Echinocactus mesae-verdae, Ferocactus mesae-verdae, Pediocactus mesae-verdae
Family: Cactaceae

Origin: Southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico

Growth Habits: Solitary, pale green stem, 1.2 to 7 inches tall (3-17 cm), 1.6 to 3.2 inches in diameter (4-8 cm); 0 or 1 central spine, occasionally hooked, 0.3 to 0.6 inch long (7-15 mm); 8 to 10 tannish radials, around 0.5 inch long (12 mm).

Propagation: Seeds

Named after Mesa Verde National Monument, where it is found. It is listed in the US Endangered Species Act

Blooming Habits:
Light yellow flowers with greenish throats, 0.8 to 1.4 inches long (2-3.5 cm), 1 to 1.2 inches in diameter (2.5-3 cm). They come in late April to mid-May in habitat. The fruit is papery and wrinkled when mature in June. The black seeds are 2 mm long.