Basalt Cactus (Pediocactus nigrispinus)

Oregon isn’t typically associated with cacti, so I wanted to highlight one of the few that occur here! While hiking up a ravine in the Spring Basin Wilderness just outside of the John Day Fossil Beds, I stumbled upon this population growing among the bunchgrass, buckwheats, and volcanic shale slopes. Some grew in clusters, while others grew individually, ranging from 30 cm to 60 cm in diameter. They were blooming during the day but started to close as dusk approached. Their pink flowers, sometimes white or magenta, contrasted with the dense arrangements of 6-12 black and reddish-brown spines, distinguishing them from P. simpsonii, which has lighter, almost white spines and prefers colder climates in the west. Despite some considering P. nigrispinus a subspecies of P. simpsonii due to their close relation, these distinct differences set them apart (imo). I’m not sure what specifically pollinates their flowers, but I did notice a few bees visiting the flowers throughout the day. I rarely come across cacti when I’m out hiking, so I wanted to share this special find!