Joshua Tree National Park

Hedgehog Red

The brilliant red of the Hedgehog Cactus (also known as a Claret Cup) adds a splash of color to the desert in spring.

Cholla Green

I have a love/hate relationship with Teddy Bear Chollas. They have lovely delicate green flowers in the spring, but they are also known as Jumping Chollas for the ability of the little balls of spines to "jump" off the cactus and attach themselves to you.

Barrel Cactus Abstract

The spines on a California Barrel Cactus. I liked the lines so much so that I decided to make the image black and white to showcase the abstract lines and patterns.

Cactus Spine Black and White

I found this little cactus growing at the base of a large Teddy Bear Cholla. I liked the look of the spines and the way they stood out against the shadowed backdrop. Cactus spines are modified leaves. In a desert environment where conserving the small amount of water available is crucial, it's not a benefit to have a lot of surface area. Spines don't have a lot of surface area for moisture to evaporate from, they protect the cactus from most predators, and they do help shade the cactus from evaporation.

Prickly Perch

I love silhouetted Joshua Trees. Joshua Trees come in an endless array of strange and weird shapes, which make for wonderfully interesting silhouettes. I was just ready to click the shutter when the small bird (can you find him?) perched in the tree.